City of York Council is thanking residents for their recycling efforts during the festive period.

Over 700 tonnes of recyclable waste was collected through the kerbside scheme over Christmas and new year - 30 per cent more than over the same period in 2005. This represents 162 tonnes of additional recyclable waste recycled instead of landfilled - equivilent to 11 fewer refuse trucks of waste going to landfill.

The city's recycling banks and three Household Waste Recycling Centres have also had one of their busiest months during January.

Geoff Derham, Head of Waste Services said: "Residents have shown their commitment to recycling even at this busy time of year. This respresents a huge environmental saving to the city as recycling just one drinks can will save enough energy to run a television set for three hours. Residents should be proud of their contribution towards this fantasic achievement."

York residents' commitment to recycling has been confirmed by the results of a major survey into York's recycling habits. Over 78 per cent of those who responded considered themselves 'committed recyclers' who regarded recycling as 'very or fairly important and who said that they recycle even if it requires additional effort and recycle 'a lot' or 'everything that they can.' And it's older residents who are the most committed to recycling with 55-74 year olds cited as the keenest recyclers.

The survey also showed that recycling habits are directly affected by the level of effort required, with 17 per cent of respondents stating that they are only willing to recycle if no additional effort is required.

The most commonly recycled materials are glass bottles, food tins, newspapers and plastic drinks bottles. Drinks cans, glass jars and magazines are also recycled regularly. Empty aerosols, catalogues, white paper and junk mail can also be collected. Residents in areas that are part of the garden waste collection scheme can also put all types of plastic bottles into their kerbside box.

John Miller, Recycling and External Affairs Manager of Yorwaste commented: "This is a tremendous credit to the residents of York, who have embraced recycling so whole-heartedly.

"However, some recyclable rubbish is still thrown away, so residents are reminded to refer to the collection leaflet or the council's website for full details of what can be recycled."

All materials collected on the kerbside recycling collections are taken to the Yowaste Materials Recycling Facility in Hessay for sorting, baling and the reprosessing into new materials.

Anyone wanting further information or advice about the council's recycling schemes should contact the council 01904 551551, email recycling.team@york.gov.uk or go to www.york.gov.uk/waste