AMBITIOUS plans to recycle more than 50 per cent of Northumberland’s household waste have been put forward by the county council.

As part of a long-term review of its waste strategy, the council is to carry out a detailed study into the potential to undertake kerbside glass collections, pots tubs and trays and also food waste.

The amount of household waste being reused, recycled or composted by the council has decreased in recent years, dropping slightly to just over 36 per cent in 2017/18.

The authority is keen to progress improvements in its waste recycling services and is set to agree detailed studies into four weekly glass collections, with the option of introducing plastic pots, tubs and trays, as well as food waste collections at a later date so that at least a 50 per cent recycling rate is achieved.

While initial research undertaken to support improvements in recycling services has so far been provided free to the council, the authority’s ruling cabinet is being asked to commit £14,000 towards a more detailed £35,000 study over the coming months.

Coun. Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services, said: “As well as looking into glass and food collections we’ll also be leading by example by cutting our own paper consumption and improving paper recycling, as well as removing the use of single-use plastics where possible.”