Stop Government funding for incinerators

The Government is offering councils £2 billion of taxpayer funding to subsidise new waste plants, including many incinerators. The forthcoming general election gives us a chance to call for more sustainable policies on waste management.

Ask the Labour, Lib Dem and Conservative parties to support a moratorium on Government funding for incineration projects, a tax on waste that is incinerated, and targets for Britain to match the best European recycling rates...

Support anaerobic digestion

Treating food and agricultural waste with anaerobic digestion (AD) generates 100% renewable energy, Yet many councils are planning to burn this material in wasteful incinerators, preventing the growth of AD.

Email Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, and ask him to use taxpayers' money to support anaerobic digestion instead of incineration...

	Reduce rubbish Only buy things you really need. Most of what we throw away could be used again. Think twice before you put something in the bin. Try and cut down on the amount you buy new and then throw away.
	Reuse products Use containers again - buy food, drinks and toiletries in returnable containers and ask local shops to stock them. Ask your school or workplace to provide reusable cups, plates, cutlery etc.
	Give away or sell Charity and nearly new shops, jumble sales and community schemes are good places to donate or sell second hand clothes, toys and furniture. Or join your local freecycling scheme. It is also well worth shopping at second hand outlets.
	Repair or adapt The best environmental choice is to repair, restore or adapt a product you already have. You may need professional help but it could still be cheaper than something new - half of electrical goods left at dumps work or require only very basic repairs.
	Cut down packaging The amount of plastic packaging waste from UK households is about one million tonnes. Buying fruit and veg loose could cut your waste drastically. Take a shopping bag with you and try not to buy drinks in plastic bottles. Write to the companies concerned asking them to change their policies.
	Recycle more Recycle things yourself, and buy recycled products. For information on household waste disposal get in touch with your local authority for recycling schemes in your area - and ask them to improve their recycling services. Why not start your own collection scheme at work or school?

We have devised a survey to gain the views of local residents regarding kerbside recycling collection services. Download it here and return it to us by post to the address at the bottom of the survey or by e-mail to waste@manchesterfoe.org.uk.

Find out where you can recycle your waste at:

• Sort It!
• Recycle More
• Manchester City Council
• Salford City Council
• Trafford Borough Council

For more information on recycling in Manchester, visit the Environment on Call pages or contact the council by telephone on 0161 954 9000 or via their online enquiry form.

Join Manchester Friends of the Earth and get involved in our waste and recycling campaign. Our aims include working with schools to spread the recycling message and encouraging local businesses to decrease their waste and increase their recycling.

Become a community champion:

What is a Community Recycling Champion?

A volunteer who acts as a contact point between local residents and EMERGE Recycling within an agreed area. They help promote the recycling service within this area and provide input as to how the service can be improved.

What sort of things would a Champion have to do?

You would distribute publicity to your neighbours and gather feedback about the service they receive. Depending on how much time you have, you could also keep an eye on how well the service is being used in your area.

What if I don't know much about recycling?

Don't worry, we will give you full training on the three R's of Waste Management (Reduce, Re-use, Recycle), and prepare you for almost anything that people will ask. You will also be supported by a Community Liaison Officer who will be on the end of a phone if you need them. You don't need to be a recycling expert, you just need to believe that recycling is important, be friendly and approachable and be willing to learn new things.

Will I get paid?

This is an unpaid post, but reasonable out of pocket expenses will be covered such as travel and phone calls.

I am interested so what do I do now?

If you are interested in becoming a Community Recycling Champion and want to make a difference in your area, please contact Sebastien Serayet, Volunteer Coordinator at EMERGE on 0161 223 8200 or by e-mail.