A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage residents across the Cotswold district to recycle items that often end up in the general waste bin.

To mark National Recycle Week - which commences today (October 16) - Cotswold District Council is supporting this year's Big Recycling Hunt.

This campaign has been set up to encourage residents to hunt out those forgotten recyclable items that are often hiding in cupboards or lurking inside rubbish bins.

It is reminding people that items such as glass perfume and aftershave bottles should be recycled in the black recycling bin with glass jars and bottles, rather than go out with the general waste.

Shampoo bottles are also listed as one of the top recyclable items that often end up in the bin.

Councillor Mike Evemy, portfolio holder for waste and recycling at CDC, said: “Over half of UK residents admit to not always recycling common items, including plastic pots, tubs and trays as well as food tins and drink cans from the kitchen. 

"Bathroom items aren’t always recycled either despite it being easy and simple to do so. 

"Shampoo and conditioner bottles, plastic detergent, cleaning bottles and empty aerosols all appear in the top six of items that most frequently get forgotten when it comes to recycling according to Recycle Now.

“Thanks to the on-going efforts of our residents, Cotswold District is regularly placed in the top five per cent of English councils for recycling, which is a fantastic achievement. 

"But we want to do more and we know residents do too. 

“With so many opportunities to recycle, we’re hoping residents will support this year’s campaign and think if what they’re binning could be recycled instead.” 

Residents can find information about what can and can’t be recycled at the kerbside by visiting the waste and recycling pages on Cotswold District Council’s website.

The Gloucestershire Waste Wizard online tool can also help residents find the most sustainable way to dispose of their unwanted household items which includes local repair cafes, charity shops and recycling drop off points.