A SCHEME to boost recycling and clean up the streets of a Flintshire town was a big success, organisers have said.

Mold Spring Clean, which took place in May for the first time in two years, was organised by Flintshire Council’s Streetscene team, Mold Plastic Reduction, Keep Wales Tidy and Mold Town Council.

A massive 101 bags of rubbish were collected and more than a quarter (27 per cent) was recyclable.

Stephen Maund from Mold Plastic Reduction said: “This was the first time Mold Spring Clean has quantified the amount of recyclable stuff left around Mold’s open spaces and streets. 

Mold Spring Clean (FCC)Mold Spring Clean (FCC) (Image: Flintshire Council) “The proportion of recyclables was smaller than we anticipated due to the type of overall waste collected, including green and fly-tipped waste. 

"Importantly, it will give us a benchmark by which to measure progress as each Spring Clean comes around.”

Flintshire Council employees took the lead in separating recyclables from non-recyclables and Keep Wales Tidy washed them.

Mold Spring Clean (FCC)Mold Spring Clean (FCC) (Image: Flintshire Council) Carolyn Prew from Keep Wales Tidy said: “Recyclables can be recycled only if they are clean. 

"Washing the cans, plastic and glass saved a huge number of items being lumped with general waste. People who watched the process, which was done outside the Daniel Owen Centre, were amazed to see how many recyclable items could be rescued.”

Some of the plastics were even remoulded into flowerpots and other items by local charity ReSource, using specialist equipment. 

Mold Spring Clean (FCC)Mold Spring Clean (FCC) (Image: Flintshire Council) Resource’s Dan Jones said: “Market shoppers and volunteers were enthralled to have the opportunity to take part in making discarded plastic into something useful as they shredded and moulded plant pots and keyring fobs into fun colours and shapes.”

Springy the mascot visited residents from Bryn Gwalia estate who joined friends from Mold Alex Football Club, the Mayor of Mold and a local councillor to clear up the area outside shops on Elm Drive. 

Tips to reduce litter in your community
 

• Use reusable bottles and containers.

• Do not litter, this can harm the environment and once litter becomes contaminated it can’t be recycled. 

• Take your recyclable litter home and recycle it with your household waste.