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Irish Independent

Over 50,000 bottles returned each month in small Wexford shop

According to the Ferns Tidy Towns Committee, the Centra shop in the village has recorded over 50,100 bottles being returned each month, with the figures steadily rising. "This figure is increasing month after month and is a true testament to the community helping to protect our environment by playing their part in leading us towards a more sustainable future by valuing our resources and increasing recycling rates,' one of the members explained. They also highlighted the fact that a plastic bottle can be recycled up to seven times while aluminium cans may be recycled infinitely. "As a circular economy initiative, the Deposit Return Scheme is helping the community to move away from the 'take, make and dispose' culture to one of returning valuable materials, and keeping them in the economy for as long as possible,' they added. They were also pleased to recently note a huge reduction in litter along the roads during their scheduled litter picks in the lead up to the adjudicating period. Many residents have also been observed taking part in a 'two minute street clean' when they come across litter and discarded waste in the town and around bins. The Supervalu Tidy Towns competition is adjudicated by an independent panel during the months of June, July, and August. The secret assessments focus on litter control, tidiness, and the physical state of the area's environment. There are eight categories including; Community – Your Planning and Involvement, Streetscape and Public Places, Green Spaces and Landscaping, Nature and Biodiversity in your Locality, Sustainability-Doing more with less, Tidiness and Litter Control, Residential Streets and Housing Areas, Approach Roads, Streets and Lanes, with a total of 550 points possible. Once the winners are announced in September, all entrants will receive their assessment reports.