Recycling fan thanks Milton Keynes people for helping the environment - and raising money for charity in the process

Praise comes as part of Recycle Week 2020
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

George Thomson - who runs Charity Recycling MK - has given a massive thank you to the people of Milton Keynes for continuing to recycle during the pandemic.

George, along with TerraCycle, applauded the city ahead of Recycle Week 2020 this week.

Setting up a public access drop-off location at his home, 25 Cantle Avenue, in 2013, George gave people the chance to drop off otherwise unrecyclable waste such as personal care and beauty product packaging, biscuit and snack wrappers. He works with TerraCycle which also awards a charitable donation for each parcel of waste sent in for recycling.

George Thomson, who runs Charity Recycling MKGeorge Thomson, who runs Charity Recycling MK
George Thomson, who runs Charity Recycling MK

Councils cannot accept these waste materials as they are complex and costly to recycle, meaning the end value of the recycled material is worth less than the cost of the recycling process. To make the economics of recycling this waste work, TerraCycle partners with large brands such as Garnier, McVitie’s and Cathedral City who cover the costs of processing these materials. This typically involves shredding the waste, washing it and then turning it into flakes or pellets which can then be used in a huge range of products, often outdoor furniture or various objects for use in construction.

George said: “We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received since we set up our TerraCycle drop-off location, particularly over the last few months during lockdown. During the lockdown, many recyclers in Milton Keynes stored at home the waste packaging they normally drop off to our location, until the restrictions were eased and they were able to travel to drop it off.

"We couldn’t have done it without you and your efforts have meant that well over one million pieces of waste have been diverted from landfill and incineration, and you have helped raise £32,000 for Willen Hospice and MK Cat Rescue. We are always looking for more support though, so anyone interested in helping us can take their waste Charity Recycling MK, 25 Cantle Avenue, Downs Barn, Milton Keynes, MK14 7RJ and tell their friends and family to do the same.”