SCHOOLS in the Suffolk Coastal area can now turn trash to cash thanks to a new recycling scheme.The project is being operated by BCR, which currently collects textiles from the district's recycling banks, and is open to any school to join in and start a collection scheme.

SCHOOLS in the Suffolk Coastal area can now turn trash to cash thanks to a new recycling scheme.

The project is being operated by BCR, which currently collects textiles from the district's recycling banks, and is open to any school to join in and start a collection scheme.

"The company provides each child who wants to participate with a sack which they take home and fill with old clothes and textiles," said Andrew Nunn, cabinet member for the environment.

"The sacks are then brought back to the school on a designated day and collected by BCR who will pay the school £80 per tonne."

The textiles - towels, sheets, blankets, curtains, paired shoes and bags - are graded and either sent as clothing for export to poorer countries or for sale to commercial users like manufacturers of carpet underlay, mattress ticking or upholstery padding.

"This scheme provides another easy way for our residents to get into the recycling habit and help us meet the current government target of 32 per cent of household waste being recycled, rather than being put into landfill sites," said Mr Nunn.

"We do provide textile recycling banks across the district, but this may be a more attractive way for people to recycle as they can help their children's schools at the same time, so everyone benefits."

If a school would like to take part in this scheme, they should contact Suffolk Coastal's recycling team on 01394 444034.