ALUMINIUM foil has become the latest recyclable product to be collected by Hambleton District Council.

Can banks in the district's 26 village mini-recycling centres, as well as the larger town recycling centres, now accept clean foil as well as cans.

The foil is separated from the cans and sent into the secondary aluminium industry to make foundry alloys for lightweight engine components, such as cylinder heads.

However, shiny crisp and snack packets, which are made out of plastic with a metalised film coating, cannot be recycled in this way.

Council environment chiefs say cans and tins should be rinsed and squashed before being deposited in the bins.

Can banks can be found at recycling centres in Northallerton, Thirsk, Bedale, Stokesley, Great Ayton and Easingwold. They are also sited at 15 local schools