It’s plastic fantastic!

Aug 28 2008 by Michelle Coyle, North Wales Weekly News

A YOUNG entrepreneur has accused Conwy’s environment chief of “stealing his thunder” with his announcement last week of a plastic recycling scheme to be launched throughout Conwy.

James Hankin, 16, has been busy collecting plastics for recycling from Llandudno guesthouses for the past few weeks and was dismayed to see the front page of last week’s Weekly News revealing plans to collect plastics from households across Conwy.

James said: “I saw Cllr Mike Priestley on the front page of the paper and reckoned he had heard about what I have been doing and wanted to get a name for himself!”

However green the council’s plans may be to increase recycling, its big trucks have a far bigger carbon footprint than James’ bicycle scheme.

James said: “I take my bike out every Monday and ride around Llandudno, stopping at B&Bs and asking if they have plastics they need to be taken away for recycling on Chapel Road. I charge £4 for a trailer load and have been making up to £50 a day doing it.

“Getting on my bike is a good way of keeping fit and it’s great for the environment too, which is good for my business credentials. Everyone should be recycling and my success just goes to show that being green can be good for business.”

With the council’s scheme not set to come into operation until next spring, James doesn’t think he’ll be pushed out of business just yet.

“I have the support of several B&Bs and I think they are pretty loyal.”

His business brain has obviously served him well, having heard last week he had passed his GCSEs at Ysgol John Bright. However, rather than pursuing a career in environmental science or waste management, the Great Orme teenager is looking forward to going to Coleg Llandrillo to study music technology.

Cllr Priestley was quick to allay James’ fears of being put out of a job.

“Our recycling scheme will only be collecting from households. As B&Bs will not be covered by us, James can rest assured that his job will be safe as Llandudno businesses will still require his services. I am sure County Conwy is big enough for both of us!” he smiled.

“I absolutely applaud James’ efforts helping to divert recyclable plastic from landfill. I would be more than happy to meet up with James to discuss a greener future for Conwy.”

michelle.coyle

To have your plastics collected by James for recycling, contact 01492 873440 or e-mail thegreenmachine@officeliveusers.com