Recyclers in Derry have had their blue bin scheme extended - following successful talks between the city council and contractors.

Derry City Council will now accept aerosols and all used paper, except for shredded paper and window envelopes.

Since April 2003 the council has operated a kerbside collection scheme whereby householders are able to recycle a variety of items including cardboard, cans and plastic bottles, newspapers and magazines.

Waste Services Officer, Conor Canning, said the scheme was subsequently extended to cover all domestic properties within the area - and to date over 20,000 tonnes of material, that would otherwise have gone to landfill, has been recycled.

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Chair of the Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Brenda Stevenson, said the service had been extended following successful discussions with the contractors.

"The extension of other papers and aerosols to the scheme will enable householders to recycle more of their waste paper which in turn will not only assist council in increasing recycling rates but will also reduce the volumes of waste sent to landfill," said Ms Stevenson.

"Householders in the Derry City Council area have adapted well to the introduction of the blue bins as is evidenced through the high recycling rates that have increased year on year and currently stand at over 30%.

"This change should add to those figures and ensure that the council meets its waste management targets," added the councillor.

(PR/JM)