Autumn leaves - Calderdale to use as mulch instead of dumping in landfill sites

Monday, 16 November 2009

Calderdale Council has invested in specialist machinery to prevent Autumn leaves being sent to landfill sites.

Up until this year Calderdale Council, like the majority of other local authorities, used to spend thousands of pounds disposing of 4,900 tonnes of fallen leaves a year. Only a very small percentage of leaves could be recycled.

However, following suggestions from frontline staff, the Council has invested in machinery which separates non recyclable waste from the vegetation. A second machine then mulches the leaves down so it can be used as a soil improver on Council-owned land. As a result the majority of fallen leaves are now recycled.

Councillor Stephen Baines, Leader of Calderdale Council, said it was a great example of investing to save money.

“Landfill prices are rising year on year and it was becoming more and more expensive for us as a Council to dispose of this material. We knew things had to change.

“This equipment is not only saving us money it is also helping to reduce our carbon footprint, something Calderdale Council is committed to.”