A MAJOR refurbishment project at a waste centre has led to a boom in recycling.

The household waste and recycling centre, in Darlington, had its most successful month ever in April.

The site, off Whessoe Road, reopened last year after a £730,000 refurbishment and expansion.

Following the work, 300 tons of garden waste were taken to the centre in April - a 50 per cent increase on any other April on record.

The total amount of waste recycled has also risen from just under 25 per cent to nearly 50 per cent.

Stephen Harker, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for consumer and environmental services, said: "It is good that so many people are using the centre for recycling and waste and I hope everyone continues to take advantage of the longer summer opening hours."

From the start of June, residents will be able to leave domestic cooking and vegetable oil at the centre.

The centre is open 8am to 8pm until October 1 and then 8am to 4.30pm.

For more details about the site and what can be left there, log on to www.darlington. gov.uk and click on the recycling logo.