Residents are being urged to ensure they put the right thing in the right bin to help reduce the amount of recycling which ends up being lost due to contamination.

Every year, about ten per cent of the content of Wychavon’s green bins, has to be sent for incineration instead of being turned into new products.

This is because it either contains too many non-recyclable items or recyclables that have unfortunately been spoiled by liquids, grease or food waste.

The five most common items Wychavon residents incorrectly put into their green bins over the last 12 months were:

· Clothing/shoes

· Food waste

· Wood

· Household items ( including a chopping board, saucepans and a vase)

· Accessories (including a handbag, a belt and a hat)

Residents can help ensure the entire contents of their green bins end up being sent for recycling, as intended, by following these top tips:

Rinse items and put them in the green bin loose rather than in carrier bags.

Only put non-black plastic pots, tubs, bottles and trays in the green bin. Please no other plastic items.

Food waste needs to go in your black bin but try to reduce it by following the tips available at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Only metal drink, food and aerosol cans should be put in the green bin. Please take other metal items to a Household Recycling Centre.

Don’t put unwanted clothing or other fashion accessories in the green bin. Donate them to charity, sell them or pass them on to friends/family or put them into a clothing bank.

Nappies, used or otherwise, should always go in the black bin.