SUPERMARKET chain, Tesco, has been working with the council to tackle problems caused by the overfilling of privately-owned recycling banks at stores in Tetbury and Stow.

The company has reduced the occurrence of fly-tipping by increasing the frequency of collections at their facilities and is working with Cotswold District Council to promote good practice.

Although the council has no responsibility for the Tesco recycling banks, its environmental officers have been working with the retailer over the last few months, encouraging local people to use the facilities more responsibly. The council has assisted with the placement of informative notices regarding good recycling practice and has also worked with Tesco to speed up the reporting of illegal fly tipping incidents, enabling environmental officers to investigate and take appropriate action.

Councillor Sue Coakley, Cabinet Member for the Environment at Cotswold District Council, said: “Local councillors and CDC officers have been monitoring the recycling banks at Tesco stores, in particular the site in Tetbury, after receiving reports that they were overflowing regularly.

"I am pleased to say that this has resulted in a marked improvement and we are continuing to collaborate with Tesco to sustain this progress as we approach the festive period, the busiest time of year for recycling banks.

“I am particularly pleased that people have helped us by not leaving items for recycling by the sides of banks when they are full, but have acted responsibly and taken these home or to another facility.”

Robin Hughes from Tesco’s Waste and Recycling Team, added: “We take our role in the community very seriously and are delighted that recent changes appear to be bearing fruit. The recycling banks at Tetbury and Stow continue to be available for the disposal of household recyclables (cardboard and paper, plastics, cans and glass) but it is important that they are not misused and that businesses disposing of commercial waste go to municipal facilities elsewhere.”