New Information Resource Delivers Practical Support to Help Local Authorities meet their Targets

Drawing together both existing and brand new support tools for local authority recycling officers, the new local authority web resource can be accessed from www.wrap.org.uk. As well as allowing users to find out about all WRAP's relevant work under its market development and waste minimisation programmes, the easy-to-navigate pages feature a host of useful new information from WRAP's Recycling and Organics Technical Advisory Team, (ROTATE) including:

Engaging Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in Recycling Activity - a new report to help local authorities overcome barriers to communicating their recycling schemes to culturally diverse groups. Guidance is given on the main cultural, educational and economic barriers to the understanding of language and imagery, with practical solutions for getting messages across.

Alternate Week Collections - a good practice guidance document offering practical advice to local authorities that are considering the introduction of alternate week collections. It provides general principles on establishing collections, answers to frequently asked questions, and includes case studies from local authorities that have already implemented schemes.

Toolkits and training Further support for local authorities comes through a range of additional guidance and toolkits which can be accessed from the portal, including:

• A vehicle procurement checklist
• the Kerbside Analysis Tool (KAT)
• Model service and supply contracts for recyclables
• Materials Pricing Report
• Procurement guidance
• and Case studies on buying recycled

Details on WRAP's training courses have also been greatly improved, allowing visitors to download course information and select dates and locations.

Raising awareness at national, regional and local level English local authorities involved in waste awareness and recycling promotions and campaigns can access resources and information on the Recycle Now campaign - such as downloadable campaign artwork and guides, advertising artwork, and a photo library - as well as details of how to get involved with the BIG Recycle week, which will take place from 27th June to 2nd July.

The new web portal has been developed in response to feedback which identified the real benefits of having one point of access to the wide range of support that WRAP has put in place for local authorities, as WRAP director Phillip Ward explains:

"The full spectrum of experience, knowledge and practical support available from WRAP's wide-ranging departments has been brought together in a user-friendly format.

"Not only is there every kind of tool and information resource available from WRAP, but there are also signposted links to complementary resources including Defra's Local Authority Support Unit, making this portal an essential destination for local authorities looking for support to reach their recycling and landfill diversion targets."