EAST Durham recycled more than a quarter of its household and green waste last year, far exceeding targets set by the Government.

In 2005-6, recycling of household and green waste in the Easington district amounted to 26.9 per cent, surpassing the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) target, which was set at 18 per cent.

Oliver Sherratt, District of Easington's director of community services, believes that the dramatic increase in the area is down to a number of reasons.

He said: "Residents are recycling more than ever before, and, thanks to this, we have had a 30 per cent increase in tonnage from our Kerb-it scheme.

"Home composting promotion, green waste collection and composting through waste treatment have also played their part.

"Perhaps most pleasing of all is that the total amount of household waste produced in the district has actually fallen for the first time in years, reducing the requirement for landfill.''

Councillor George Patterson, executive member for liveability, welcomed the news, but said he felt more could be done.

"Many residents do regularly recycle, and they should be applauded for this.

"The challenge, however, is to spread this important message throughout the community so that everyone can play their part.''