PUBS, clubs, restaurants and hotels throughout Sunderland have turned green in a scheme which is celebrating its first anniversary.

Recycle-More-Glass is a groundbreaking initiative which makes it easy for licensed premises to recycle the empty bottles discarded by customers.

Since its launch last July, the scheme has recruited 12,000 premises in every major conurbation in England and Wales, recycling over 3,000 tonnes of glass every month.

Among these are several licensed premises in Sunderland, who have demonstrated their commitment to the environment by joining the scheme.

In Sunderland alone, consumers drink enough wine, beer and spirits in a year to cover the pitch at the Stadium of Light one-and-a-half times.

The free service was launched in response to research that showed many pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants were not recycling their glass bottles because they had to segregate colours before disposal.

Under the new scheme, the glass does not need to be separated saving time for licensees.

Recycle-More-Glass supplies special purple bins for collecting the glass and a collection service which will empty the bins as frequently as necessary.

Since its launch the scheme has collected an estimated 30,000 tonnes of glass for reprocessing - the equivalent weight of 6,000 African elephants.

Market development manager for the scheme, Rosalind Dorning said: "The scheme provides businesses with an efficient and trouble-free service which means they can do their bit for the environment without having to commit large amounts of time or money.''

For more information on the project call 084506 7329253.