THE first kerbside collections of waste paper in the borough of Stockton saw more than 30 tonnes of recyclable material collected last week.

Stockton Borough Council's blue bag collection scheme, in partnership with Cheshire Recycling and Roseberry Recycling, collects and recycles old newspapers, magazines, junk mail and catalogues from every household in the borough.

Brian Simpson, recycling officer, said: "Thirty tonnes from the 15,000 households visited so far equates to three full bin wagon loads of material that would normally be incinerated.

"That's a fantastic response and shows that local residents have a high level of commitment to recycling.

"Anyone wanting to take part in the scheme should remember that bags will only be collected from the kerbside and not the doorstep."

Anyone with a query, or needing help to get their bag to the kerbside, can ring a helpline on (01642) 391194.