Experts have called on householders across the North-East to recycle more in 2005.

Durham-based Premier Waste Management, which runs kerbside collection schemes for more than 400,000 households across Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Easington, Chester-le-Street, Durham City and Sedgefield, called on the region's residents to increase the amount of waste they recycle.

"Regular kerbside recycling should be the one New Year resolution that everyone keeps next year," said director Gary Whitehead.

"The North-East is still lagging behind the rest of the country when it comes to recycling rates. We need everyone to start using their recycling boxes in 2005."

Every year, the North-East generates a million tonnes of rubbish - about one tonne for each household.