As this is Zero Waste Week, we’re looking back at efforts in Cumbria to cut down on rubbish and recycle.


Every year, millions of people all around the world commit to reducing their landfill waste for a week during September – saving money, preserving resources and having fun in the process.
Zero Waste Week was founded by Rachelle Strauss in 2008 with the mission of empowering people to rethink ‘rubbish’ as a valuable resource. She encourages us to make small changes that lead to more sustainable consumption patterns, and anyone can participate – individuals, businesses, organisations, community groups, schools, universities and local authorities.
A shining example of recycling was provided by Toby McCartney and business partners who operated MacRebur from Parkhouse, Carlisle, in 2016, when they won a Virgin Voom award for their new road surface using recycled plastic.

(Image: Paula Thanner)
A bizarre example was a roadkill cat handbag sold on an auction site for almost £300, which Helen Dawson, 32, from Redhills, Penrith, said she wouldn’t buy.

(Image: Newsquest)
Carlisle Racecourse’s Google Garage event for businesses to network and learn about social media and the digital economy attracted Louise Gardham from North West Recycling.

(Image: Newsquest)
Also pictured, in June 2016, is North West Recycling in Carlisle.

(Image: Newsquest)
Efforts through the RAGS recycling scheme led to Egremont Fire Station winning a hamper, which they donated to Egremont Food Bank. Kay Corkhill is shown receiving it.

(Image: Newsquest)

Standing on land in Phoenix Park, Wigton, that they hoped would be transformed into a skate and BMX park are Kath and Denis Graham from Free For All Community Recycling.

(Image: Newsquest)
At a recycling roadshow in Carlisle city centre, Judith Bradshaw from Cumbria County Council and Lisa Heathcote from Carlisle City Council offered solutions for dealing with household organic waste.

(Image: Newsquest)
In October 2015, Egremont recycle point in Chapel Street suffered fire damage.

(Image: Newsquest)
Our final image is of a poster on a recycling wagon clamping down on dog waste, without any suggestion of it being recycled.