RUBBISH for recycling will soon be collected from three-quarters of all York homes.

City of York Council's fortnightly kerbside recycling collections will be extended oer the summer to cover an extra 40,000 homes - taking the total number of houses in the scheme to 60,000.

Residents will be provided with a green box to hold glass jars, bottles and food and drink cans, together with a reusable plastic bag for newspapers and magazines.

The scheme is part of the council's drive to meet tough Government recycling targets for domestic rubbish.

The council aim to recycle 12 per cent of the city's domestic waste by 2003/04 and 18 per cent by the following year.

Elizabeth Wray, project officer, said: "The kerbside collections are an easy way for residents to recycle what would otherwise be thrown away to landfill sites and the roll-out represents a major expansion of the city's recycling scheme. We've had a great response to the scheme so far and 62.5 per cent of residents with access to the service have used it."

More than 1,800 tonnes of glass, cans and paper have been recycled to date.

Residents in the roll-out areas will receive a letter notifying them of the scheme in the next few days.

Properties not included in the roll-out such as city centre, terraced and isolated properties, could be provided with localised recycling banks or a paper-only kerbside collection.

Terraced areas are currently receiving a trial service with some forecourted properties receiving kerbside collections of paper, glass and cans. Those without a forecourt are receiving a collection of paper. Elderly or disabled residents who are unable to carry the box and bag can get help by telephoning the council on 01904 636000 or returning the slip at the bottom of the recycling letter.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, April 24, 2003