A PILOT scheme to increase the composting of garden waste has been hailed a success.
Easington District Council introduced a trial green waste collection scheme for 15,000 properties last spring.
Householders were able to re-use old blue paperboy bins for grass cuttings, plants, leaves and small prunings, and the bins were collected fortnightly.
More than 1,200 tonnes of green waste has been collected and composted this winter, far exceeding the council's expectations.
District council waste management co-ordinator Jo Lane said: "The scheme has been extremely popular with residents.
"The high participation rate has made a significant contribution to the district's recycling rates."
The pilot has now finished for the season but will continue next spring for the trial group.
Anyone who has garden waste over winter can take it to one of the three household waste recycling centres at Strangford Road, Seaham, Grants Houses and Thornley Industrial Estate, or phone Envirocall for a collection on 0191-527 5040.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article