RECYCLING in Teesdale could increase by more than four times in the next two years.

An ambitious scheme will see households provided with boxes for recycleable waste which will be collected every fortnight.

Teesdale recycles four per cent of all refuse collected, but local authorities are coming under increased pressure from the Government to recycle more refuse.

In order to meet a self-imposed target of 14 per cent waste recycling by 2003/4 and 18 per cent by 2004/5, Teesdale District Council has linked up with the West Durham Recycling Partnership, which is part-funded by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The council,estimates that it could save up to £90,000 in its first year after the scheme is introduced later this month.

Materials identified for recycling include paper, steel, aluminium, plastics, glass and textiles. Plans are also in place to deal with green waste and electrical items.

A review carried by Teesdale council's refuse service found that 97 per cent of people in the district wanted to recycle more waste, but only 36 per cent said there was a suitable recycling site nearby.

The initiative will also mean households will be provided with wheeled bins for other waste, which will be collected by the council on a weekly basis.

Help will be given to elderly or disabled people who are unable to put out or collect their wheeled bins, and letters will be sent to all homes explaining the changes.

Councillor Newton Wood, chairman of the social and environmental policy committee, said: "We are particularly determined to ensure that the needs of all people are well met and that no-one feels disadvantaged because of their location, age or health."