BUSINESSES in Selby have now recycled more than 230 tonnes of waste through the council's Sorted recycling scheme.

The haul was enough to fill 17 double-decker buses, but Selby District Council is still encouraging more businesses to sign up to the initiative, which helps firms to become more informed and efficient when it comes to recycling.

Around 175 businesses have already joined the scheme, which enables them to have paper, cardboard, catalogues, brochures and telephone directories collected to recycling.

With UK companies spending nearly five per cent of their annual turnover getting rid of waste, Sorted will ultimately save companies in the district money, while also reducing the amount of waste going into landfill sites.

Businesses receive a membership pack, which includes publicity material to demonstrate the firm's involvement to clients and staff, as well as an information pack with details on how to reduce the amount of waste produced and increase recycling.

Chris Metcalfe, the chairman of the council's Environment Board, said: "This is a really important partnership between Selby District Council and local businesses, benefiting both.

"It saves businesses money and makes a difference to the amount of waste going into landfill sites, which improves the environment for everyone living and working in the area.

"As well as recycling, it also offers support and advice about reducing the amount of waste produced by local firms.

"This is another key element of making sure that we leave a clean and sustainable environment for future generations."