Council hammers home DIY recycling message

12.19.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Apr 2007

Homeowners are being urged to remember the recycling message by Richmond Council ahead of an expected surge in DIY over the Easter holiday.

In June the Government will introduce new Home Information Pack (HIPs) which will increase the costs for people selling their homes. Estate agents and home improvement stores therefore expect an increase in business over the holiday period as vendors spruce up their homes and put them on the market before the changes come in. The Council is urging those who do give their homes a makeover to remember that unwanted furniture can be recycled, either through local organisations like the Furniture Scheme, or at the next Council-run Give and Take Day at the Sheen Lane Centre on April 28. Leftover paint can also be donated to the RePaint Scheme and passed on to community groups and individuals on benefits.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said: "With Easter set to be a bumper time for home improvements we are reminding residents to make every effort to recycle their unwanted household items. Cast-off furniture could be put to good use in someone else's home and the forthcoming Give and Take Day is the perfect opportunity to recycle it. The Council also collects unwanted paint at the Reuse and Recycling Centre in Townmead Road, Kew, and distributes it to various community groups and appropriate individuals."