AFTER the scorching weather of the past week, the council is reminding residents of key tips to help with recycling and plastic pollution.

In warmer summer months, it is inevitable that households will use more and more plastic recyclables such as bottled water to help cool down.

In order to prevent delays in the recycling process, it is important to remember to wash, squash and leave the lids off these bottles and save space in your pink collection bag.

Where possible, however, people are recommended to buy a refillable water bottle as single-use plastics are difficult to break down and recycle, meaning they contribute to rising greenhouse emissions.

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This advice comes amid Plastic Free July, a global movement that helps millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution has become a pressing ecological issue over the past decade, with around 8 million tonnes of plastic waste escaping into the worlds oceans every year.

In order to play your part in collectively cleaning our streets and oceans, each individual is encouraged to follow the council’s advice and opt against using single-use plastics such as straws, cups, bottles and food wrap where you can.

With more time spent at home during the pandemic, there has been a huge increase in recycling and plastic waste, which has contributed to difficulties and delays in the borough’s recycling processes.

Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “We hope residents can get involved and spread the message about the ‘Wash Squash and Lids Off’ campaign.

“It’s a small change to make on our part as residents, but it really will make a positive difference to our collections and reduce the frequency of delays that we’re seeing."

Speaking of further work the council are doing around recycling and waste, Cllr Bowden added: “As part of our commitment to tackling the climate emergency we’ve already begun work on a comprehensive waste strategy review – looking at the way we reuse, reduce and treat waste and recycling generated in the borough.

“There’ll be plenty of opportunities over the next year for residents to view the resulting proposals and have their say on the future of recycling and waste in St Helens and I’m looking forward to sharing more details from the review in the coming months.”