Residents donate more than two tonnes of toys to charity

The Christmas Toy Container Appeal proved extremely successful, with pre-loved toys donated to Council’s five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) to Restore (Habitat for Humanity) in Ballymena, Restore (East Belfast Mission) in Larne, with further toys gifted directly to MEA communities via Larne Community Care Centre and Carrickfergus Community Forum.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “Residents and Council staff worked hard on making this appeal a huge success and as a result families were given the opportunity to get good, quality toys.

“Council’s HRCs were only closed for three days over the Christmas period, allowing residents to recycle as much as possible, playing their part in protecting our stunning natural environment, too. This was helped greatly by site users making a conscious effort to follow Council’s ‘SORT’ system.”

The SORT system is:

•Sort recyclable and non-recyclable materials at home

•Organise these materials in your car to make your visit quicker and easier

•Re-use items – look out for containers for furniture, bicycles and electrical items

•Talk to staff if unsure about any items.

Council’s Direct Services Committee Chair, Alderman William McNeilly said: “Statistics show that up to 3,400 residents per day visited sites to re-use and recycle rather than dump their waste over the festive period.”

He revealed, that on average, 1,200 cars passed through Waveney Road HRC per day.