THE amount of waste recycled or composted by Chelmsford in the last year was lower than the Essex average.

From April 2013 to March this year, just over 46 per cent of the 71,700 tonnes of waste in the city was recycled, compared to 52 per cent across the county.

Figures recently published show recyling numbers starting to fall across Essex and the amount of waste increasing, despite the county recycling more than the national average.

Roger Walters, Essex County Council cabinet member for waste and recycling, said: “Essex has a growing population.

“As landfill space reduces and costs for waste disposal increases, we all need to try to avoid waste, and to recycle and reuse so that money can be spent on delivering valued services rather than landfill tax.

“There is no excuse for not recycling in Essex as we make it easy for everyone to do so.”

For more information visit www.recycleforessex.co.uk