New guidance from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency has prohibited the disposal of plasterboard at landfills, due to its gypsum content.

Local councils have clearly stated the material will no longer be accepted at their recycling centres, and that alternative arrangements should be made with private companies for disposal.

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However, a wide range of materials are still accepted.

Joe Parkes, a recycling manager with Down District Council, said: "Today recycling rates are higher than they have been in years, but there is still lots of material that ends up in black bins when it could have been diverted away from landfill, and recycled.

"We encourage residents to use the centres efficiently by separating their waste before leaving home."

(PR/BMcC)