RECYCLING banks in York could be removed, as the council looks to save thousands from its waste budgets and improve its facilities.

Cllr Andrew Waller, the executive member for the environment, said they wanted to encourage people to recycle as much as possible, but with £56,000 being spent each year on the bring banks there could be a way of better meeting the needs.

A report has now been drawn up asking him for approval to remove some sites and review the rest.

The paper, written by managers in the waste department, shows the city has 49 recycling bring banks which last year collected 1500 tonnes of recyclable rubbish.

But the report shows some sites are used only by businesses, and council staff believe they could save £8,000 by closing them.

“The recycling bring banks are funded via the council tax and are therefore for use by residents. Businesses have a legal responsibility (duty) to make sure that waste is managed properly.” it adds.

Cllr Waller will be asked to approve that proposal, and to launch a consultation so people can have their say on the sites that remain.

Two big sites in Haxby and at Clifton Moor have been lost in recent years, Cllr Waller said, while others which are looking tired need some work.

People also want recycling banks for other materials like Tetrapak cartons, he added.

If agreed, the consultation could start in April with changes coming in September. It could see some sites closed if they are not well used, some expanded, or have new bring banks added for things like cartons, textiles or books.