Award for Crawley waste crusader

A ONE-WOMAN crusade to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill is setting a green example to the rest of the town.

Anthea Rossouw became determined to improve the amount of recycling at Walstead Court, in Barley Close, Southgate, after being shocked at seeing waste being transported by three large containers.

Now, the waste warrior has earned herself a prestigious environmental award for her efforts in greening up the neighbourhood.

Residents at the court's 26 flats have found several ways to cut down on waste, ranging from recycling tea bags, to increased recycling of small household appliances.

They also launched an initiative to dispose of food waste into a warm air food digester.

Since 2007, the amount of waste going to landfill from the residents has decreased by more than 60 per cent and non-recyclable waste has been reduced from more than three bags per flat to just one.

Ms Rossouw's efforts helped the scheme win the best Waste Minimisation or Prevention Project prize at the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee awards.

She said: "I am elated by the results.

"This scheme is the first of its kind in the county and we are rightly proud of our achievement."

In the past seven months, waste from the court has been reduced from 522 kg to 330 kg and removal costs are estimated to have fallen from £36.50 to £23 a month.

Henry Smith, leader of West Sussex County Council, said: "This is a magnificent effort by Anthea and her neighbours."

Ms Rossouw is part of the Waste Prevention Advisor scheme, which involves volunteers training their neighbours to manage rubbish more effectively.

The scheme is run by Better Tomorrows, a non-profitable company.