Tackling waste is top of the agenda as County Durham residents are reminded to think about the amount they produce from their households. In County Durham, some 240,000 tonnes of household waste is produced every year.

In 2011/12 more than 40 per cent was reused, recycled or composted with the rest going to landfill. At least half of all household waste can be reused or recycled. This includes tins, cans, aerosols, glass bottles and jars, mixed plastics, paper, cardboard and even kitchen waste (compost) old computers, mobile phones, and furniture.

Durham County Council’s waste strategy and policy officer, Vicky Bell, said: “Producing less waste could help improve your community, help save the planet, and save the pennies in your pocket.”

For tips on how to reduce, reuse and recycle the amount of waste your household produces, go to www.durham.gov.uk/recycling or email the strategic waste team at wasteaware@durham.gov.uk More information on European Waste Reduction Week is available at www.ewwr.eu/