MORE than 50,000 food recycling kits have been delivered to Colchester households.

In the last fortnight, the residents of 51,400 homes have so far recycled 59 tonnes of food waste using the bins and bags handed out by Colchester Council.

Residents in the borough’s villages, including West Mersea, Dedham and Tiptree, will be delivered their kits by the end of the month.

The authority hopes the roll-out will increase recycling rates from around 40 per cent to above 50 per cent.

Visit www.colchester.gov.uk/foodwaste for more information.