Isn’t it time we made scratchcards that we can actually recycle?

Saturday 2nd May 2009, 3:00PM BST.

From Patrick Cooper.
WHAT do you do with your used parking paycards?

Well, if you follow the advice on the back of the card, you take them home and bin them. Yet more rubbish to burn and another missed recycling opportunity.

Yes, paycards could be recycled, but for one small issue -– the silver scratch coating. Such a coating renders the scratchcard and paycard unrecyclable, certainly by Public Services’ definition of the term.

Personally, I find this unacceptable, as it means that as a non-recyclable, paycards will no doubt be incinerated. I can’t imagine how many thousands of paycards must be used each year. I know I see hundreds littering car parks, roads and hedgerows.

Surely there can be a greener and more cost-effective alternative?
Dorian,
Rue Gombrette,
St John.