COMMUNITY groups are gearing up to earn money and recycle waste.

North Yorkshire County Council has launched Community Solutions North Yorkshire to give groups the chance to back recycling.

The project provides support to groups through its dedicated community waste management officer. Funding for projects is also available through the Community Recycling and Economic Development programme.

Executive member for environmental services Councillor John Fort said: "The community waste sector offers an excellent means by which materials for recycling can be collected and converted into money to help support community initiatives.

"Community Solutions has important information that will benefit community groups across the county, which in turn will increase the amount of rubbish recycled by the community sector."

More than 1,250 tonnes of materials, including paper, cans and glass, were collected by the community sector in 2002-2003 and Community Solutions aims to double that figure by 2006.

For details about Community Solutions contact Andy Holmes, the county council's waste management officer, on (01609) 532357.