Epsom and Ewell Council is on course to have one of the highest waste recycling rates in the country.

The new recycling system introduced in the north of the borough in March is being extended to the south starting next week and finally covering the whole of the district by the end of the month.

The council now offers a kerbside recycling service for food waste, plastic bottles and cardboard.

People using the new service people in the north of the borough have boosted their recycling rate to more than 55 per cent.

It means the borough is on course to recycle and compost one of the highest proportions of waste in the country while the cost of the service remains below the national average.

On average, the council is collecting about 30 tonnes of food waste for composting every week and about 20 tonnes of plastic bottles and cardboard for recycling.

From May 25, homes in Woodcote and parts of College and Town wards (the area west of Chessington Road and south of the railway line, but including the Wells estate) will be taking part in the new service.

People living in Court ward and the remainder of Stamford, Ruxley and West Ewell wards will be able to use the new service now.

There will be no change to collection days or to the recycling arrangements for paper, glass, cans, household batteries and textiles.

Subscription garden waste collections will also not change.

Food waste will be collected weekly. Cardboard and plastic bottles will be collected fortnightly, as will the small amount of rubbish remaining in the green bin.

Children’s disposable nappies can be placed in the main green rubbish bin, but they can be collected weekly if people register with the council on 01372 732000.

A kerbside recycling service for flats is due to start in September.

New bins for food waste, plastic bottles and cardboard will be delivered in the week before the new service starts in each area.

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