From this week residents can recycle more items than ever in their blue bin.

New materials that can be recycled include shredded paper, aerosols, clean tin foil, Tetra Pak drinks cartons and more types of plastic.

In the past residents could only recycle plastic bottles but now plastic yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and clean plastic food trays can also be recycled.

Residents will receive an information pack in the coming weeks to explain the changes and what happens to their recycling after their bin is collected.

The improvements to the blue bin scheme come on the back of a new two year contract between the council and UPM to recycle these items. This new contract could see the council earn £800,000 to reinvest in services for the town.

Cllr David Keane, executive board member for environment and public protection, said:

'The improved blue bin scheme will enhance the service provided to residents by allowing them to recycle more items than ever before. We would like to thank local people for their support of the recycling scheme and urge everyone to make sure all their family, friends and neighbours know about the changes so we can recycle even more in the year ahead.’

For more information click here