REDDITCH has been chosen to trial a new scheme aimed at reducing waste and boosting recycling.
It’s all part of a new initiative between Worcestershire County Council and a firm called Greenredeem.
The campaign will encourage residents to reduce the amount of waste they throw away through a number of activities including purchasing compost bins, changing to reusable nappies or planning their meals.
In return they will receive Greenredeem points which can be swapped for vouchers to redeem in shops or at leisure facilities.
Residents can also donate their points to local charities and community projects, with the projects with the most points receiving a share in £1,000 at the end of the campaign.
Plus points will be awarded to households that present their recycling correctly; clean and loose in their recycling bin and not in plastic bags.
A further benefit for those who sign up to the scheme, local businesses will offer discounts and incentives to those who produce evidence of participation, encouraging people to shop locally.
Coun Debbie Chance, portfolio holder for environmental services at Redditch borough council, said: “We are delighted Redditch has been chosen to trial this incentive. The whole community will benefit from the campaign; residents can earn themselves an array of vouchers – with something to suit everyone’s tastes – creating more trade for local businesses.
“Local charities and community projects will benefit and the whole project will help the environment too. It’s win-win all round.”
Rob Crumbie of Greenredeem, said: “The Greenredeem scheme has proven in many local authority areas that we’re able to increase recycling and get residents wasting less, and we’re looking forward to working with the people of Redditch to help the council achieve its goals.”
Residents will start receiving information about the campaign from the beginning of September and it will be officially launched at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre on October 1 and run until the end of October 2018.
