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That's a great idea!

Do you have an exciting new idea for improving packaging recycling services in your authority? Are resources a problem? A support programme launched earlier this year might be just what you're looking for.

Valpak, the UK's largest producer responsibility scheme, has appointed Rick Hindley as corporate and local government affairs manager to lead its local authority support programme.

Valpak has launched a new programme which provides support to local authorities who are keen to find innovative ways of boosting their packaging recycling rates.

Rick Hindley, previously a senior manager with Novelis Inc. (formerly Alcan Inc.), is the programme's development manager.

"I'd urge any local authority with a specific idea for improving their packaging recycling to get in touch with us. We're here to help and we very much look forward to working with you," said Rick.

Valpak is already at an advanced stage of developing joint initiatives with a number of local authorities. Projects under consideration include the roll-out of a 'door stepping' communication campaign to coincide with a move to alternate weekly collection and the launch of kerbside collection of plastic bottles and cardboard; a trial scheme to provide householders in two local authority areas with an additional kerbside collection box; the evaluation of the most cost-effective way to boost the collection of glass across an area covering 11 local authorities.

Rick's extensive background in the recycling industry means he is ideally placed to oversee Valpak's co-operation with local authorities in developing new initiatives for recovering packaging waste.

The results of Valpak's PackFlow report are a key driver behind the programme. "The PackFlow findings offer an unprecedented insight into the UK's packaging waste stream," said Rick. "It's clear that local authorities have a vital role to play in identifying and overcoming barriers to packaging recycling.

"Your co-operation and collaboration are essential if the UK is to achieve its 2008 EU packaging recycling and recovery targets," he concluded. "Working together, I'm confident we will achieve great results."