The county council has spent four months doubling the size of the site to cope with increasing use by residents.

It can take most kinds of household waste including wood, glass, metal, electrical appliances, furniture, and car batteries.

The council hopes the changes will also cut down on related traffic congestion.

Big effect

Around 320 people a day were visiting the Taylor Lane site creating 13,000 tonnes of rubbish a year - nearly 8,000 tonnes of which was recycled.

It will also solve the problem of skip collection lorries blocking access to recycling points for users.

The scheme has been made possible by a �400,000 grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund.

Councillor Brian Lucas said: "We want to make it as easy as possible for residents to recycle but also need everyone's help to make it work.

"A few minutes thought and a simple effort in every home is all it will take to help preserve our countryside and protect our environment for future generations."