PLEDGE to make a difference during National Recycle Week 2009.

That’s the call from Essex County Council, as it encourages residents to think of new ways they can waste less.

The theme for this year is “Let’s waste less”, which aims to encourage people to try something new in order to go greener and cut back on the amount of waste they produce.

To help, the council’s recycling team has come up with a number of waste busting pledges to choose from on its website, www.recycleforessex.co.uk The pledges include:

  • Squashing and recycling cartons
  • Sorting and recycling old electrical items
  • Reusing carrier bags
  • Looking out for the new recycle packaging labels
  • Using leftovers to make lunches
  • Choosing peat-free compost when shopping
  • Home composting kitchen and garden waste
  • Donating your unwanted clothes to charity.

Once people sign up by text or e-mail they will receive details on the effect their pledge will have, as well as details on how to achieve it.

County Hall has pledged to increase recycling of waste to more than 45 per cent in 2010, and to more than 50 per cent in the next three years, in partnership with district and borough councils.

For more information on what can be recycled in your area go to the website www.recycleforessex.co.uk