The current campaign to persuade people to separate out their plastic rubbish appears to be based on a misconception. Tests in various towns in Limburg have shown that it is cheaper for local authorities to separate the plastic from normal household refuse themselves after collection rather than leaving it to householders.

A special processing machine dries out the refuse and makes it easier to burn, thus being better for the environment. This also represented a saving to the towns taking part in the experiment of € 6 million. In addition, more plastic refuse is collected in total.

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