RESIDENTS are being urged to recycle their rubbish, rather than throwing it out.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is splitting its area into four zones for a new recycling scheme.

Collections across east Cleveland will alternate, with one week for normal waste and plastic bottles and the following weeks for green waste and other recyclables.

Councillor Bob Stanway, the council's cabinet member for environmental improvements said: "We have carefully planned this move for several months now. It's such an important part of our bid to improve our recycling rate, which is required to reach 30 per cent by 2010.

"That's a tough target but, with everyone's help, we believe it can be achieved."

He says recycling more means having to separate waste and the best and least expensive way to do that is at home.

To hammer home the message, brochures are being delivered to every home, highlighting the changes in collections, including a four-day week for the workforce and the delivery of a green waste wheeled bin to about 48,000 homes with gardens.

The brochure includes a calendar with collection dates clearly marked.

Alison and Malcolm Lambert, of Hunstanton Grove, New Marske, have been presented with prizes after being judged recycling family of the month.

Coun Stanway said: "With the enthusiasm of families like the Lamberts, who involve everyone at home in recycling, I'm sure we can turn this scheme into reality."