A COUNCIL'S new kerbside recycling scheme has collected 50 tonnes of paper, glass and tins in the fortnight since its launch.

Gateshead Council's innovative service has already exceeded initial expectations for the amount of recyclables collected, with an average of 60 per cent of residents taking part.

Kerb-it is being phased in across the borough over the next six months, with households receiving a recycling box that will be collected every fortnight. Homes in the east of the borough were the first to get the service, and have demonstrated a real eagerness to get involved.

People will have to dispose of all plastic containers in their wheeled bins but can still go to any of the recycling points across the borough to use the textile banks.

For more details, call 0191-477 2400, or visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/kerb-it.