11:18am Saturday 8th March 2008
By Stephen Ivall
A CAMPAIGNER has helped launch a major new local battery recycling scheme in Cornwall - believed to be the first of its kind in the country Sarah Newton has launched the green initiative in conjunction with the Post Office in Mylor Bridge, near Falmouth where she lives.
At the moment, the only option to householders who want to dispose of their batteries in a responsible manner is for them to visit their local municipal recycling centre, which is not always practical.
In January 2008, Mark Hatwood was given dispensation by Cornwall county council to collect batteries on behalf of his local parish of Porthscatho and take them to our 'local' municipal recycling centre.
Sarah, who is also the Conservative parliamentary candidate for the Falmouth and Truor area, was so impressed by Mark's initiative that she contacted him to set-up a scheme in Mylor Bridge.
Speaking about the scheme Sarah said: "I am delighted that our great, local Post Office Sub Postmaster and Mistress have agreed to provide a home for the new recycling service.
"This is another good reason to visit our local Post Office. I hope to be making regular trips to United Downs and save toxic waste entering our environment."
"This is the first local collection service of its kind in the UK and Mark hopes, with your support, we can duplicate this service around the county, and country.
"Hopefully, the scheme will make it easier for every local council to take the next leap of agreeing to collect this hazardous waste from the various local centres we have set up.
"Mark would be happy to answer any questions you have about this scheme, help you set one up in your own locality and help you source the necessary receptacles to do this safely.
"This is a free service with no strings attached - apart from the hope that our waste will be dealt with responsibly."
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