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<\/p>\nMiddlesbrough Reform Councillor Joanne Rush hopes that the council will write to the Environment Secretary, advocating a ‘traffic light style colour coded system’ on packaging<\/p>\n
A Middlesbrough councillor wants packaging to be clearly labelled, in order to improve recycling rates(Image: Shared Content Unit)<\/p>\n
A Middlesbrough councillor is campaigning for clearer recycling instructions on packaging. Reform Councillor Joanne Rush wants fellow councillors to back her campaign which would encourage the government to consider a colour coded recycling packaging system across the whole country, including accessible labelling such as braille, or raised tactile markings.<\/p>\n
In a motion, going before Middlesbrough Council<\/a>\u2019s full meeting on Wednesday, April 1, Cllr Rush says that many residents want to recycle responsibly, but often face \u201cconfusion\u201d due to \u201cinconsistent and unclear\u201d packaging labels, leading to recyclable materials being put in general waste bins, or instances of non-recyclables contaminating recycling streams. Last year, it was reported that Middlesbrough<\/a> had the highest levels of recycling rejected in the North East<\/a>, due to contamination problems.<\/p>\n With recycling instructions often being printed in \u201cvery small text\u201d, Cllr Rush says it can be hard to read, particularly for those individuals who are visually impaired or those with reading difficulties. She adds that a clear approach nationally would make recycling easier and improve recycling rates, as well as supporting wider UK environmental objectives. Middlesbrough generally has \u201cpoor\u201d recycling rates, as councillors have discussed previously.<\/a><\/p>\n Cllr Joanne Rush, Nunthorpe ward(Image: Jo Rush)<\/p>\n Nunthorpe<\/a> ward Cllr Rush highlights the increasing number of recycling bins being provided to households, with additional collection streams, saying: \u201cIf residents are being asked to recycle more, it is only reasonable that the information on packaging is clear, consistent and accessible.\u201d Middlesbrough residents are currently in the process of receiving<\/a> new red-lidded wheelie bins for cardboard, and food waste caddies, with new collections set to get underway this summer.<\/p>\n Her motion adds: \u201cA simple colour coded system displayed clearly on packaging would allow residents to quickly identify how an item should be disposed of.\u201d If the motion is passed, the chair of the council would write to the Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, to urge the government to consider introducing a national \u201ctraffic light style colour coded system\u201d on packaging to clearly indicate recyclability, alongside accessible labelling.<\/p>\n Did you know you can make Teesside Live a preferred source of Teesside news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information<\/a> about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n For the latest Teesside news direct to your inbox every day, sign up to our free newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n Teesside Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.<\/p>\n Through the app, we’ll send you the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.<\/p>\n To join our community group, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’<\/a>.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Teesside Live<\/a> team.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Cllr](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1_JS388409020.jpg\"\/)
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