MORE than three-quarters of rubbish destined for refuse sites and incinerators could be recycled, according to a recent survey by council workers.

Stockton Council's Care For Your Area team examined 100 bin bags left out for collection. The survey showed that majority of the waste was recyclable.

Earlier this week, the team was joined by Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council's cabinet member for the environment, at Cowpen Depot, Cowpen Lane, Billingham, for a similar exercise.

Coun Nelson said: "All this extra waste generated adds to the cost of refuse collections and is damaging to the environment.

"All the schemes we now have means it is easier than ever to recycle but we need residents to do their bit as well - everyone needs to think before they bin and make the most of the recycling schemes on offer."

The council has set up schemes to encourage residents to recycle more, including kerbside collection, community recycling centres, and subsidised compost bin sales.