PEOPLE in Leeds are being urged to recycle more plastic as the city council attempts to increase the amount collected by up to a third.

New rules about what can be put in green bins could mean an increase in recycling equivalent to the weight of 750 double decker buses.

Leeds City Council’s waste service is now able to accept most pots, tubs, trays and cartons in the green bin. Common examples include fruit juice cartons, yoghurt pots, ice-cream, butter and margarine tubs and clear plastic trays for meat, fruit and vegetables.

In the last year, around 30,000 tonnes of recyclable material was collected from Leeds households through green bins. But there are still about 9,500 tonnes of all recyclable plastics and cartons being placed in black bins, and residents are now being asked to put these in green bins instead so they can be recycled.

The council says the level of difference this can make in terms of extra recyclable material equates to the weight of more than 750 double decker buses.

Leeds City Council executive member for environment and active lifestyles Councillor Mohammed Rafique said: “Leeds City Council declared a climate emergency in March and is committed to recycling as much as possible. Potentially we can increase the amount of recyclable material we collect by nearly a third.

“We want to help residents recycle as much as they can through their green bin by accepting more of the common types of plastics used in households, and would encourage everyone in Leeds to work together with us to boost recycling rates.

“We would also advise Leeds residents to use the popular and handy free Leeds Bins App to remind them of their bin collection days so they don’t miss it.”

More information on what can now be recycled can be seen at www.leeds.gov.uk/plastic.

The council declared a climate emergency in response to the UN’s report on climate change. It is committed to making Leeds carbon neutral by 2030.

The council’s plan includes building sustainable infrastructure, improving air quality, and promoting a less wasteful, low carbon economy.