News
Coleg Gwent leads way on recycling
5 March 2009
Coleg Gwent has achieved top grades in recycling – with support from a grant it received to help reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfill sites.
The Welsh Assembly Government Resource Efficiency Equipment Fund, managed by Envirowise, has been made available to help public sector organisations buy equipment that will enable them to reduce their use of resources, or to reuse or recycle them.
The £4000 grant enabled the college to buy paper recycling bins to collect the waste paper produced by students and staff. The bins were installed in each of the college campuses with the objective of achieving a 100% recycling rate for waste paper.
Robert Bates, the Director of Estates & Facilities said: ‘’Coleg Gwent is fully committed to minimising its effect on the environment and the introduction of recycling bins has encouraged a much greater interest in recycling across the College. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the staff and students we have already recycled over 10 tonnes of paper, 80% of which is purchased recycled paper.”
Ann Stevenson, Envirowise public sector programme manager in Wales, said:
“The grant is helping public sector organisations in Wales achieve great results in reducing waste which in turn also helps them save money by reducing how much they need to spend on waste disposal.
”Coleg Gwent is a fantastic example of an organisation that is doing this. Their example should inspire other organisations to change the way they work to reduce their environmental impact and avoid creating unnecessary waste.’’
Welsh public sector organisation wishing to apply for a grant can do so by applying on-line at:
http://walespublicsector.envirowise.gov.uk/
Ann added, "We welcome all applications, large or small, and they will be judged on their individual merits. All applicants will also have had to complete a waste production survey, which will give us useful information going forward. Information on the survey can be found at http://walespublicsector.envirowise.gov.uk/welcome-to-wales-public-sector-waste-production-survey/
In addition to this public sector initiative, Envirowise also helps businesses in Wales to become more sustainable in their use of resources.
