THE recycling message hits the streets at the start of a public awareness campaign next week.

Durham County Council's waste reduction team begins a three-week drive to persuade the people of Easington district of the benefits of recycling.

They plan to pass on the message on people's doorsteps and leave Waste Smart leaflets at homes where no one is present.

The leaflets outline how residents can improve their commitment to recycling, and hand over feedback forms for householders to pass on their comments over the scheme.

Claire Charles, Smart programme co-ordinator, said: "By talking directly to people we can find out why they are, or not, recycling, what they are recycling and how frequently they are doing so.

"We can then use this information to find out where we need to focus our attention to increase the amount being collected for recycling and the changes needed to the services we provide."

The eight-strong team hopes to call at 13,500 houses across the district during the three weeks and plans to return in six weeks in April to see if recycling awareness has improved.

A similar sweep has also taken place in Chester-le-Street, covering 5,800 homes, at which 4,600 leaflets were issued.