Helping Our Community: Recycling Plastic Tree Guards Featured on BBC News
At CDDL, we’re passionate about making a difference in our community and the environment. Recently, we had the opportunity to showcase our commitment when we helped clear thousands of plastic tree guards from a local woodland—a story that was even featured on BBC News.
Here’s how we turned a longstanding environmental issue into a sustainable solution.
The Problem: Plastic Tree Guards Left for Over 20 Years
Decades ago, protective plastic tree guards were used to shield young saplings as part of a housing development’s green space initiative. While effective in their time, these guards were never removed, leaving behind a legacy of plastic that was unsightly, environmentally harmful, and difficult to recycle.
The plastic degraded over the years, falling to the woodland floor and blocking sunlight, which affected the natural ecosystem. Unfortunately, the local council didn’t have the resources to remove the guards or the means to recycle them responsibly.
Our Role: Transforming Waste into Opportunity
When we heard about the issue, we knew we could help. Partnering with volunteers and local businesses, we joined a series of volunteer days organised by the council to clear the plastic guards.
Here’s how the process unfolded:
- Collection: Volunteers gathered plastic guards scattered across the woodland. On one day alone, approximately 4,000 guards were removed, filling 18 large sacks.
- Transportation: The collected plastic was delivered to our facility, where we prepared it for recycling.
- Processing: Using a baler, we compressed the plastic into large 300-kilogram bales. These compacted bales were then transported to Sheffield for recycling.
- Recycling: At the recycling plant, the plastic was melted down and repurposed into durable boarding used in the construction industry for flooring and shelving.
The best part? This type of plastic can be recycled over and over, creating a 100% closed-loop system. Each recycled board can eventually be recycled again, minimising waste and maximizing sustainability.
A Community Effort for a Cleaner Future
This project was a true community collaboration. Volunteers from all walks of life, including local residents and businesses, worked tirelessly to remove the plastic guards and restore the woodland. While there are still thousands more guards to clear, the progress so far has been incredible.
Looking Ahead: Preventing Future Issues
This initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable practices in conservation. Today, biodegradable tree guards are used to ensure that future projects don’t face the same challenges. At CDDL, we’re proud to have played a part in this project and to have shown how recycling can turn plastic waste into opportunity.
Watch the BBC Feature
We’re delighted that this effort caught the attention of BBC News. You can watch the full story below to see the impact of the project and learn more about how the community came together to make a difference.
At CDDL, we believe that small actions can lead to big changes. Together, with our community and partners, we’re committed to creating a cleaner, greener future.
