WASTE recycling, especially plastic, is set to be stepped-up across Hambleton, following a pilot scheme with twin wheelie bins and green composting.

Topcliffe's household waste has been separated and collected under a new system, designed to increase recycling and reduce landfill dumps.

Hambleton Council cabinet yesterday heard the scheme was generally successful, despite some problems.

Coun Neville Huxtable criticised a introductory leaflet and questionnaire sent to Topcliffe residents over the Christmas period, which drew a poor response from just 72 households.

He asked if this timing was to designed to bury unpopular news and said the Topcliffe Parish Council chairman didn't receive a leaflet. Questions were vague, because they established what was already known - that the public wanted recycling.

However, lessons were being learnt and things improved. He supported recycling but the collection method was vital. Fortnightly collections were insufficient.

"It takes 500 years for a nappy to decompose, but it'll stink in five days. This pilot scheme has not been operated during hot, summer months."

He feared increased fly-tipping unless refuse was removed frequently.

But Coun Arthur Barker, of the Thorntons, said many households favoured recycling, despite the problems.

Fortnightly collections would defeat the aim of reducing waste at the source - people's homes. The council was trying to encourage residents to minimise waste.

"We're asking people to co-operate by separating refuse to reduce landfill dumping and meet government targets. If we keep collecting the same amount of rubbish (at the same frequency) nothing will change."

Collection was expensive, so weekly collections would double the costs.

Steve Quartermain, head of planning and environment, said the leaflet's questions were designed to win householder's hearts and minds.

The council had not tried to bury bad news by releasing the leaflet during the Christmas period.

Weekly collections were temporarily re-introduced in the festive season to tackle the vast amounts of rubbish produced by families. This had created some confusion among residents but the fortnightly system was back on track.

Coun Susan Latter, of Leeming Bar, said disposable nappies were a major problem and recommended traditional, fabric nappies, which were now much better designed.

Plastic was another big issue. Swainby Coun John Morley said the packaging industry and supermarkets had to change their ways. Shoppers should be given reusable carrier bags.

Coun Barker called for many more plastic bottle banks. At present, there was one in Northallerton and one in Thirsk.

"We must provide people with methods to get rid of plastic for recycling. It's essential we deal with this. It has a knock-on effect on everything else, including twin wheelie bin systems."

Mr Quatermain understood plastic bottles were often sent to China for re-use but Coun Imeson knew of a Whitby firm interested in collections.

* Letters to the Editor: page 24.