PAPER drinks cartons can now be recycled in Richmondshire after the district council installed dedicated collection skips.

The district council worked with Tetra Pak Limited and the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment to provide the banks at five recycling centres.

Recycling officer Andy Turner said: "Every year, carton manufacturers produce about 55,000 tonnes of paper-based cartons for milk, juice, sauces and other liquid foods and drinks - this is almost 2.5kg per household.

"With the arrival of recycling banks for these items in Richmondshire, we can divert more waste from landfill to be recycled into a range of items, including plasterboard liner and high-strength paper bags and envelopes."

Household waste recycling has risen by ten per cent - to 32 per cent - in the district in the past year.

Councillor Tony Duff, member champion for recycling, said: "The carton banks are just another way of increasing our recycling efforts, and I am glad they are here."

Cartons can be recycled at Gatherley Road, Brompton on Swale; Tesco, at Catterick Garrison; the main car park in Leyburn; Nun's Close car park, Richmond; and the Co-op, Richmond. The scheme will run for a six-month trial but it is hoped more banks can be provided next year.