PEOPLE are being reminded that their plastic-lined paper cups can be recycled thanks to an initiative by the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE UK), in partnership with Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire’s Joint Waste Team.

This service enables plastic-lined cups - the sort commonly supplied by coffee shops, fast food outlets and petrol stations - to be recycled by depositing them in any of the food and drink carton recycling banks within the district.

Councillor Sue Coakley, Chair of Gloucestershire’s Joint Waste Committee and Cabinet Member for the Environment at CDC is keen to promote this initiative:

“The carton recycling banks already accept the type of packaging usually associated with fruit juices, milk drinks and premium soup brands, and they can now take plastic-lined paper cups. This change - the result of an agreement between ACE UK, high street retailers and cup manufacturers - provides a great opportunity for local residents and visitors to recycle even more waste.

“Obviously, we would prefer people to drink from re-usable cups where possible – and it is good to see that most coffee shops are more than willing to fill a reusable cup brought from home. However, the next best thing is to ensure that as many single-use cups as possible are recycled, and this initiative should help immensely.

Carton banks in Cotswold District are located at:

· Andoversford – Village Hall

· Bourton-on-the-Water (Rissington Road Car Park);

· Cirencester – Waterloo Car Park

· Fairford – Hatherop Road

· Stow-on-the-Wold – Maugersbury Road Car Park

Please note that paper beverage cups with a plastic coating should not be placed in paper recycling banks or in the blue kerbside collection bag.