THE rate of rubbish recycling in Stockton is nearly half that of the national average, newly released figures have revealed.

Now Stockton Borough Council is almost certain to initiate new measures to improve its waste collection service after it emerged that just 26.6 per cent of rubbish was recycled in the area in 2014 to 2015, compared to a national rate of 44.9 per cent.

A report on the issue to be considered by the council's cabinet committee on Thursday also revealed that on average 30 per cent of all waste placed in the borough's general rubbish wheelie bins is recyclable.

If that 30 per cent of waste was properly recycled the council's rate would match the waste recycling rate target for England, which is 45 per cent.

The cabinet will now consider undertaking a consultation exercise, a study of current recycling procedures and the use of waste collection bins and receptacles, a cost study analysis and recycling promotion push.

The authority's green, or gardening, waste service is also likely to be reviewed and it is hoped the whole issue of what is recyclable will be simplified for residents.

More controversially, the council will consider reducing general waste capacity in bins and rubbish tips to force people to recycle.

The issue has already been examined by the council's Place Scrutiny Committee and an initial review conducted. It is the scrutiny committee's recommendations that will now be considered by the cabinet on Thursday, April 21 in Stockton Central Library at 4.30pm.

The council report said: "The UK achieved a recycling rate of 44.9 per cent in 2014. Stockton Borough Council had a recycling rate of 26.6 per cent.

"Recycling rates for household waste need to increase. Evidence provided and research into best practice shows that through reducing the capacity for residual waste disposal increases recycling participation."

The review report noted that there will be a national target for 50 per cent of all waste to be recycled by 2020 but said; "the target will be unachievable due to the pressure councils are under to reduce spending."

The council does receive £1.86 million in funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government but kerbside recycling costs about £913,000 a year, green waste £443,000 and general domestic refuse collection nearly £6.6 million.

There was some good news for the council in the report when it was revealed that the authority has one of the lowest rates of landfill in the country at under one per cent. That is because most household waste in Stockton is used to produce energy at the Haverton Hill EFW plant.

The council report showed that the average Stockton household generates 13.2kg of waste per week, which is more than two stones.