Sussex recycling team turns litter into usable goods

Staff at Seven Sisters Country Park at Exceat have been working with volunteers to clean up litter from the beach every week.

They have partnered with the charity ReAP who take the litter away and work with MyRefactory recycling firm to turn it into useful items including recycling bins, seating, display boards and outdoor tables.

The teams have already collected more than 30 bags of rubbish weighing 122kg so far this year.

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Sylvia King, operations assistant at Seven Sisters Country Park, said: "It’s sad that we have to collect plastics in the first place and that’s why as a National Park we ask people to bin litter or take it home, as well as recycle where they can.

"Our seas and rivers are full of plastics and other litter and the impact on wildlife, such as wading birds and marine life, is very serious.

"We want to improve the habitat for nature at Seven Sisters and so regular litter picks are an important way of helping our local wildlife.

"We’re pleased to have this new arrangement with ReAP that means we’re reducing impact on the planet and helping our precious habitats."

As part of refurbishments at Seven Sisters, new litter and recycling bins have been installed in the car parks and building complex.

Steve Tapp, from ReAP, said: "Our mission is to encourage the collection of plastic waste from rivers, canals, lakes and oceans, ensuring it is properly recycled and kept out of landfill.

"Working closely with our UK recycler MyRefactory, our purpose is to actively reduce the amount of plastic waste in these delicate ecosystems and promote sustainable practices for a cleaner and healthier world."

Seven Sisters is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is also part of a marine conservation zone which means litter can create a huge risk for wildlife.