KERBSIDE collections of plastic will soon start in South Cambridgeshire. The district council s cabinet agreed on Monday to add the collection of plastic bottles to its recycling scheme. The decision means that from October residents will be able to put p

KERBSIDE collections of plastic will soon start in South Cambridgeshire.

The district council's cabinet agreed on Monday to add the collection of plastic bottles to its recycling scheme.

The decision means that from October residents will be able to put plastic bottles into a box to be collected along with their existing green container.

At present, residents have to take their plastic bottles to one of 16 recycling centres. However, a waste audit carried by SCDC suggests these centres are often unable to cope, recycling 190 tonnes but sending more than 500 tonnes to landfill.

Cllr Daphne Spink, housing and environment service portfolio holder, said the scheme would be good for residents, the council and the environment.

"South Cambridgeshire residents are fantastic recyclers and we want to support them in their drive to recycle more and more.

"Diverting plastic bottles away from ever-dwindling and costly landfill space could not only meet the demand from our residents and help save valuable resources but also increase the amount of other materials recycled."

The district already fares well in the recycling tables with residents recycling 51 per cent of household waste.