THOSE that ditch their waste at the re3 recycling centres in Bracknell and Reading are being greener than they might think and are inadvertently supporting a charity.

Each time waste is left in bin bags at the facilities it is separated into recyclable and non-recyclable items by staff.

Since this process became common place in the Longshot Lane and Island Road centres in August 2016, more than 800 tonnes of bin bags have been riffled through, with approximately 36 per cent deemed recyclable or reusable.

So far, the bin bag splitting initiative has diverted 326 tonnes of waste away from landfill - comparable to the weight of over 320 average-sized cars - and has made savings of over £28,000 in waste disposal costs.

Bracknell Forest’s Executive Member for Environment, Councillor Dorothy Hayes MBE, said: “I’m very pleased with how the bin bag splitting initiative has diverted over 320 tonnes of recyclable items away from landfill.

"Not only are we protecting the environment when we recycle more, we are saving council tax payers’ money as it is around £87 cheaper to recycle a tonne of waste than it is to landfill it.”

As well as the recycling initiative, however, all good quality items that are dug out are donated to Sue Ryder shops in the area, which support Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading and Sue Ryder Nettlebed Hospice near Henley-on-Thames.

Recent items found in bin bags have included records, a Links silver photo frame in its original box, and a set of perfect condition glass bowls.

Reading’s Lead Councillor for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Liz Terry, added: “The team have had some incredible finds while bag splitting, but we mustn’t forget the everyday items that can be recycled rather than just thrown away.

"Paper and cardboard, tins and cans, aerosols and plastic bottles can be recycled from home; glass is collected from over 500 bring bank sites in the re3 area; and items like textiles, small electrical appliances and paint are accepted at the Bracknell and Reading recycling centres.”