Friday, February 10 2012
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Recycling Credit Scheme

Recycle BoyRecycling Credits were introduced as part of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA).  The scheme aims to increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill by encouraging charities and not for profit organisations to collect materials from Council residents that would otherwise go to landfill.

In return for the savings made by the material not going to landfill and the associated collection costs if the Council had collected the material themselves a financial credit is paid to the charity or organisation for each tonne of material collected and taken for recycling. 

There are a number of rules and conditions associated with this scheme.  Information on this and other aspects of the scheme can be found in the FAQ section below.  

You can apply for registration using the attached form. (see 'Related Links')

Q What is the Recycling Credit Scheme?
A

Recycling Credits were introduced as part of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA). The scheme aims to increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill by encouraging charities and not for profit organisations to collect materials from Council residents that would otherwise go to landfill. A financial credit can then be paid to the charity or organisation for each tonne of material collected and taken for recycling.

Q Who is eligible to claim recycling credits?
A

Any charity, community group or not for profit organisation who collects recyclable waste from residents in Wakefield District can claim recycling credits. You must be collecting material generated by domestic properties not business’ or commercial properties.

The material you collect must be recycled; you will need to prove that the material you have collected has been passed on to an approved merchant who will ensure that the items are made into new products.

In order to be eligible you will have to demonstrate that the material you have collected for recycling would otherwise have ended up being sent to landfill as household waste. There are exceptions to this and we will consider each application on an individual basis.

If your organisation collects material from more than one local authority you will need to register with all authorities you collect from and provide accurate and separate records of the material collected in each area, you cannot claim for the same tonne of material from two different authorities.

Q What am I unable to claim on Recycling Credits?
A
Recycling Credits can not be claimed under the following circumstances:-
  • On goods that you already have a contract with the authority to collect on its behalf.
  • If the local authority considers you to be duplicating existing provision which is already catering for a significant amount of the material you are collecting.
  • If you are an individual taking recyclables along to a local authority bank.
  • If you do not collect goods for recycling, but simply recycle goods collected by another organisation or group.
  • If your merchant is not registered with your local authority as an approved recycler..
Q Which materials can you claim recycling credits for collecting?
A

You can claim recycling credits for any of the following materials:

  • Paper and Cardboard
  • Cans and Foil
  • Glass
  • Plastic
  • Household organic waste used for composting
  • Textiles

    Unfortunately items such as furniture that are collected for reuse cannot be counted for recycling credits. If you would like to collect a material that is not listed here please contact the recycling team to find out if it is an acceptable material.

    • Q Do I need to register as a collector?
    A
    If you wish to find out if your group is eligible to register as a collector with Wakefield Council please contact the Recycling and Waste Minimisation Officer through the Wakefield Council Contact Centre(08458 506 506). If you are eligible a registration form will be sent out for you to complete.
     
    When you register we will check that you are genuinely involved in recycling by asking you for details of what you collect and how much you collect. We will also want to know the area where you have collected from and to whom you pass on your recyclate.
     
    Registration is free.
    Check with us that the merchant you sell your materials to is registered with us as an 'approved recycler' (we can provide a list on request).
     
    Q Do I need a Waste Management License?
    A

    Please note that Waste Management Licensing Regulations could apply to your organisation if you register for the purpose of claiming recycling credits. In general terms, any organisation or individual collecting materials for recycling must obtain a licence from the Environment Agency. However, it is likely that most voluntary and community groups will be exempt, but they are still required to register as exempt with the Environment Agency.

    To register, you need to write to:-
    Waste Licensing Section
    Environment Agency
    Ridings Area
    Phoenix House
    Global Avenue
    Leeds
    LS11 8PG

    You should include information on the types and amount of waste collected by your organisation, what you do with it, and whether any planning permission has been obtained.

    For further information or advice on licensing, please contact the Waste Licensing Section direct on 0113 213 4727.
    Q What Records must I keep?
    A
    You will need to collect receipts from the merchant for every load of material, and submit them with your claim for recycling credit payment.
     
    Q How much is the Recycling Credit?
    A
    The recycling credit reflects the net savings the Council will make by not having to collect or dispose of the tonnages that you divert from the waste stream by recycling. Currently Wakefield is paying a Recycling Credit of £15 per tonne.
     
    Payment of recycling credits is at the discretion of the Council.
     
    Many groups, such as scout groups or village hall committees, benefit from this scheme and make an active and important contribution to the overall recycling in Wakefield, helping the environment, whilst at the same time raising money for their groups.
    Q Who pays the Recycling Credits?
    A
    As a Unitary Authority (one acting as both the Waste Collection Authority and the Waste Disposal Authority) Wakefield Metropolitan District Council is responsible for the payment of Recycling Credits, on material collected from within its boundaries.
     
     
    Q How do I claim Recycling Credits?
    A

    All claims must be submitted to:


    All claims must be submitted to:
    Wakefield MDC
    Accountancy Services – Safer & Stronger Communities
    Room 118
    1st Floor County Hall
    Bond Street
    WF1 2QW

    All claims must be submitted with merchants’ weight receipts which match your claim. A summary sheet detailing the receipts and period of claim must also be included.