HILLINGDON’S recycling rates have soared since new and improved recycling collections were introduced.

Since the introduction of weekly garden waste collections in July 2013, textiles in August 2013 and food recycling last October, there has been an overall increase in recycling of more than five per cent.

While the government urged local authorities to be recycling 45% of its waste by 2015, Hillingdon has achieved a 50.7% rate, as of the first quarter of this financial year.

From April-June last year, a total of 3,595 tons of green garden waste was taken for composting.

Following the improved frequency of collections, a total of 5,649 tons was picked up for the same period of this year – a 57.1% increase.

There was even a rise in the clear sack dry recycling rates.

Cllr Keith Burrows, cabinet member for recycling, said: "I would like to thank our residents for going the extra mile by recycling more and helping to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill."

If you would like to join the food waste scheme, you can order recycling bags, food recycling caddies and liners online: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/reportit.

Clear recycling sacks and purple textiles recycling sacks are also available from libraries if you present your HillingdonFirst card. Or visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling.