Over the next six weeks door-to-door canvassers will be advising householders in the city how they can make the most of all the recycling and composting opportunities provided through the city council.

Gloucester City Council are looking to raise recycling rates from 31 per cent to over 50 per cent, to make them top of the county's recycling league.

This work is part of the wider campaign being run to inform residents about recycling and what they can do. The service being provided by the City Council is being supported by the County Council who are funding this part of the programme.

Councillor Stan Waddington, Cabinet member for the Environment for Gloucestershire County Council said: "One of our main aims is to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill - as it is not only damaging for the environment, but increasingly expensive, with Landfill Tax rising sharply."

"By collecting a greater range of recyclable items, along with food waste, recycling and composting figures should be boosted significantly in Gloucester.

"I wish Gloucester City Council every success with the new improved waste collection scheme."    

Residents should be aware that all the canvassers will wear identity badges and their names will be held at the City Council. Residents who wish to check the identity of someone relating to this programme should contact 01452 396396.  The canvassers will also be carrying letters of authorisation.

The canvassers do not need to come into the property and should not be invited in. They will also never ask for any personal information.

Steve Morgan, cabinet member for the environment said: "We are promoting the new food waste service, alongside the additional items which can now be added to the recycling boxes. The city will still operate a garden waste collection service, to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. We would encourage those who home compost to continue to do this, but to add to their garden waste bins any items that cannot be composted at home.

"Many residents still do not realise how much of their rubbish can be recycled and composted. That is why the canvassers will be out and about to explain just how easy it is to make a positive impact on the environment by simply separating out your waste."

For more information on the council's recycling facilities call 01452 396396 or visit www.recycleforgloucestershire.com.