WYRE Forest residents are being asked to become more environmentally friendly and recycle as much household rubbish as possible to reduce the amount ending up in landfill sites.

Worcestershire County Council wants to increase the number of people reducing their household waste after county-wide research showed that 37 per cent of the 546 kilograms per head of rubbish thrown away each year could be recycled.

Councillor Alwyn Davies, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: "The county council will support residents to resolve to cut household waste in Worcestershire.

"Our joint endeavours will help reduce the amount of waste going into landfill, cut disposal costs and help the environment."

A wide range of materials such as glass, paper, cans, textiles and plastics can be recycled, either through the kerbside collection scheme or by using one of the many recycling banks in the county.

Other recycling methods include using a compost bin for products such as vegetable peelings, leaves and egg shells and using a solar-powered system which reduces all cooked and uncooked food waste to natural components of water, carbon dioxide and soil conditioner.

Residents can also help by reducing the number of plastic carrier bags they use, buying items with less packaging and using cloth nappies.

For further information contact the county council's waste management team on 01905 766465.