A �500,000 recycling scheme introduced to cut the amount of household waste produced in Wrexham has been labelled a success after just two months.

When the 'Recycle with Michael' project was launched in July, the council was one of the worst authorities in Wales for recycling.

The recycle scheme began two months ago

A massive 97% of local waste was going straight to landfill sites.

To enable the county to improve its recycling record, a kerbside collection was introduced to 6,000 households.

Wrexham council have now reported that significantly less waste is being sent to landfill.

Since the pilot was introduced 17 tonnes of paper are being picked up during each collection week.

If residents in the pilot areas continue at the same rate, nearly 450 tonnes will be recycled in one year.

Participating areas

Chirk Gresford Garden Village New Broughton/Offa Sydallt/Gwersyllt Summerhill

In 2001, just 786 tonnes of paper was recycled by the total 55,000 householders in Wrexham.

Councillor Andrew Bailey said residents have helped the scheme become successful.

"People have coped well with two major changes to the refuse collection service and the response from the trial areas has been excellent.

"Participation in the recycling scheme is at a high level and I am confident there will be similar enthusiasm when the scheme is extended to other parts of the county after a review of the pilot areas."

The scheme has been targeting residents of all ages - even children.

Refuse collectors still pick up household waste

Recycling officers have been visiting local schools to explain to them the importance of kerbside collection.

Areas involved in the initiative have received green containers to use alongside their wheelie bins.

Two plastic sacks have also been used, one green for newspapers and magazines and one pink for cans, textiles and plastic bottles.

The new green bin handles garden rubbish and the remaining household waste will be sourced into the old wheelie container.

In addition to the paper recycled, refuse collectors have picked up almost seven tonnes of plastic and cans and 50 tonnes of garden waste each collection week.