WORCESTER'S residents can stand up and take a bow after smashing the city's rubbish recycling targets in record time.

Kerbside recycling has taken off to such an extent that collections broke the 1,000-ton barrier on Thursday - a month ahead of predictions.

Council chiefs say "all credit" should go to the citizens of Worcester, who have shown "terrific commitment" to the scheme.

"By any standards, it's a tremendous achievement in such a short time," said Mike Harrison, Worcester City Council's head of operational services.

"And all credit to the citizens of Worcester. The instructions have been very well followed and, despite a few problems with bag supplies, the commitment to recycling has been terrific, while levels of contaminated materials have also been surprisingly low."

The city council launched the kerbside recycling scheme three months ago, on Tuesday, June 3.

Householders put different kinds of recyclable rubbish into, such as paper and cardboard and plastic bottles and containers, into different coloured bags, which are picked up according to a pre-determined timetable.

Mr Harrison said the scheme was working so well projections for the year were having to be upgraded, from 3,000 tons to 4,000 tons.

"We're having to revise our projections as each week passes," said Mr Harrison.

"Now indications point to the full year's tally being nearer the 4,000 ton level - an increase of more than 33 per cent over our initial projections.

"The Government set us a recycling target of 16 per cent for the year, and now we're reckoning on the actual level being nearer 17.5 per cent."

He said participation rates were lowest in Warndon, Tolladine and Warndon Villages, and urged residents in these areas to get behind the scheme.

But despite initial teething problems - bags ran short because householders had been storing up waste prior to the scheme's launch - the quantities recycled had remained consistent and had even increased in some areas, as more householders accepted "the importance and ease" of kerbside recycling.

"Reaching this milestone gives me a welcome opportunity to say 'well done and thank you' to all the residents of the city that have taken part in these new arrangements," said Mr Harrison.

For more information phone the council help line on 01905 722465 or e-mail: recycling@cityofworcester. gov.uk.