GARDENING enthusiasts across North Yorkshire are being urged to ensure that the year-on-year-growth of waste recycling continues in 2005.

The Easter weekend traditionally signals the time of year when householders begin turning their attention to the garden.

And waste management company Yorwaste is reminding people about the importance of recycling their garden waste.

Last year, Yorwaste processed more than 21,000 tonnes of green waste from householders - the highest ever figure - and that was despite the poor summer.

And with more sites and facilities than ever before now able to accept green waste, it is hoped that figure will now be far surpassed.

Recycling manager John Miller said: "More and more local authorities are now offering the kerbside collection of green waste, so really there is no excuse for people not recycling their garden waste.

"And even in areas that do not currently receive a collection service, the vast majority of people will have a site very near them where they can take their garden waste for recycling."

Green waste brought into any of the facilities operated by Yorwaste in North Yorkshire is shredded and then turned on a regular basis to ensure the high temperatures reached during the composting process are sustained.

The final product is then either sold as a commercial product or sent in bulk composting to a national organisation that manufactures and markets organic green composts and soil improvers from recycled garden waste. Compost can also been used as part of landfill site restoration.