Students are barking mad about recycling

Abandoned dogs have benefited from a Manchester City Council campaign encouraging students to recycle and reuse their property as they leave their homes.

So many students took advantage of the scheme that six van loads of duvets, sheets and blankets from student homes and halls of residence across south Manchester were donated to dogs' homes across the region.

The duvets will now be used as bedding for dogs by charities including the Manchester Dogs' Homes in Harpurhey, the RSPCA and the Society For Abandoned Animals in Sale.

Students also donated boxes of cutlery, crockery and kitchen utensils to the university, and these have now been given to charities such as Oxfam, the Mustard Tree and the Wesley Community Furniture.

The donations were made after the City Council encouraged students to use the University of Manchester's environmental scheme as they left their homes at the end of the summer term.

The City Council also arranged a pilot scheme, organising extra collections and sending information packs to student homes throughout May and June, resulting in 10 tonnes of paper, card and glass being sent for recycling and 50 bags of textiles being given to charities.

Lisa Graham from Manchester Dogs' Home said: "The duvets have been put to excellent use by our elderly and injured dogs that require a thicker, softer bed to support their injuries and joints. A big thank you from the dogs and staff at Manchester dogs home to all who donated their duvets."

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council's Assistant Executive Member for the Environment, said: "This shows that students are keen to contribute to the city's recycling drive. I'm very impressed with the levels of recycling and re-use achieved this year, and I'd like to see this work continue next year."