Council chiefs say there has been a huge surge in the amount of plastic recycled in Colchester – and are hoping for even better results in the new year.

More than 600 tonnes of plastic was collected from homes between April and September – more than double the amount over the same period last year.

The boost comes after Colchester Council introduced clear recycling sacks in April.

The council can now recycle a range of plastics, from food trays and yoghurt pots to carrier bags and cling film, as well as plastic bottles.

Street services boss Tim Young said: “The enthusiasm for recycling we have seen from residents throughout 2008 has been very pleasing.

“I would like to thank everyone for pushing Colchester’s recycling rate up to nearly 40 per cent over the first half of this financial year.”

There will be three consecutive “blue” recycling weeks – for glass, paper and metal – over the seasonal period.

“Green” collections start again from January 5 when people can recycle their real Christmas trees, which should be cut up and left out in white garden waste sacks.