HERE in Hambleton District we have been using the black and green bins for the past two years and, so far, I have not had a problem with them.

In the past we were a very hit and miss household when it came to recycling (normally after a boozy barbecue or Christmas party).

Things have changed. I can't believe how much rubbish we don't have. I bought a cut-price composter from the council and throw in all the fruit and veg peelings, egg shells and teabags just for starters. I now have an endless supply of rich compost for the garden. I would have scoffed at all this before. Now the bins don't smell during warm spells.

We don't have the luxury of kerbside recycling so, once a week with the kids in tow, we head for the local supermarket car park. If we can get children into the recycling idea as youngsters it is something they'll do naturally in later life - it's their future. So, give it a go!

Samantha Spence,

Green Lane West,

Sowerby, Thirsk.

Updated: 10:24 Friday, May 13, 2005