YORK residents have been given a pat on the back by council bosses for helping recycle household waste.

City of York Council has said a big "thank you" to local people for their on-going efforts to recycle more and reduce the amount of waste dumped in landfill sites.

Since the council's kerbside recycling collections began in May 2002, an average of 60 per cent of residents who have access to the service have used it and an average of 156 tonnes of waste have been recycled each week.

The council hopes the introduction of a garden waste collection scheme later this year will also help it move a step closer to achieving its ever-increasing recycling targets, which are set by the Government.

Residents are reminded that kerbside recycling collections will continue throughout the summer.

As usual, the fortnightly collections will be made on the same day of the week as the normal refuse collection.

A list of recycling collection dates for this summer is available to residents who telephone the York Pride Action Line on 01904 551551 or email recycling.team@york.gov.uk

The council is encouraging householders to keep up the good work by continuing to put out recycling boxes or blue bags each fortnight, by 7am, at the front of the property or one day later than normal on bank holidays.

Anyone wanting to take part or who needs a box, bag or help to carry out your recycling on collection day should phone the York Pride Action Line on 01904 551551.

In the kerbside recycling box residents can put glass jars and bottles of any colour, as well as all food and drink cans, while the bag is for recycling magazines, newspapers, junk mail, catalogues, brochures, white paper and shredded paper. Envelopes are not accepted because the plastic windows and self-seal gum cannot be recycled.

There are also more than 60 recycling sites where people can take recyclable rubbish, such as paper, glass, cans, textiles and shoes.

To find your nearest site visit the council's website at www.york.gov.uk/waste or telephone the York Pride Action Line.

Updated: 10:40 Thursday, July 28, 2005