A NEW strategy is to be introduced to improve the recycling service across the Hambleton district.

It will see all plastics and cardboard collected at the kerbside along with paper and glass. Currently only light card and some plastics can be taken.

Councillors hope the ten-year plan will increase the recycling rate by nearly ten per cent to almost 55 per cent.

“The new strategy looks at how Hambleton District Council will collect waste over the next ten years,” said cabinet member Cllr Brian Phillips.

“Its prime feature is to increase the amount – and types – of recyclate taken at the kerbside.

“The contract for the vehicles we currently use is due to be renewed in January 2016 so it is the right time to be looking to also improve the service.”

He added: “Our residents have been asking us to increase the number of products they can recycle through kerbside collections for a long time – and through this strategy we aim to do that.”

Households will be supplied with a new black wheelie bin to take all cardboard, plastics and cans. The existing blue box used now will in future be used just for glass.

Bins and boxes will continue to be collected fortnightly. For residents unable to take another wheelie bin, provision for recycling collections using bags will be made.