MORE than 265 tonnes of recyclable materials have been collected in the first two months of a new scheme in Darlington.

The borough council's Time to Recycle project, launched in September, now involves 45,000 households.

The project enables homeowners to recycle, on the doorstep, newspapers, aluminium cans and glass bottles.

And over the coming weeks, the council plans to provide all households with a blue bag in which to store waste paper for collection.

Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "It is very pleasing to see thousands of households across the borough regularly taking part in the Time to Recycle scheme and in turn, protecting our environment for future generations.

"Now the scheme is fully operational even more householders can do their bit and take part." A full list of what can be recycled and a calendar listing fortnightly collection dates for 2003 to 2005 have been sent to all households.

The December edition of the Town Crier magazine will list revised collection dates for Christmas and New Year.

Residents wanting further information about what to recycle and when can contact the recycling hotline on (01325) 388777.