Trafford residents have been named as some of the best recyclers in Greater Manchester following the release of new figures.

According to Trafford Council, 58.8 per cent of household waste in the borough was recycled in the financial year ending in March 2022.

This put the borough well above the average of around 44 per cent for England.

Now, council leader Tom Ross has thanked residents for their efforts.

Cllr Ross said: "Thank you to everyone who does their best to sort out their waste into the correct bin.

"It is a priority that we increase the amount we recycle and these statistics show we are heading in the right direction."

The new leader has made addressing the climate crisis a personal priority since taking office earlier this month.

He added: "We all have an important role to play in fighting climate change in Trafford and looking at the food on our plates is a good place to start.

"By changing our habits to buy what we need, use up leftovers and recycle the rest, we can reduce our carbon footprint and minimise what we waste."

Cllr Ross, who was appointed as Trafford's youngest ever mayor in 2018, challenged residents to increase Trafford’s recycling rate further.

He said: "There is still more that we can do. 

"The more we recycle, the less waste needs to go in the grey bin.

"Please recycle right and check that you are putting the right waste into the right bin. Working together, we can be the best borough in the country for recycling."

A recent study showed food waste makes up 25 per cent of the waste collected in the grey bin and isn’t recycled.

Cllr Ross added refuse crews have reported some collections of paper and card can’t be recycled, because too many wrong items are being placed in blue bins, including bags of rubbish, duvets and nappies.

For details on what can be recycled in what bin, and to download a recycling guide, residents can visit www.trafford.gov.uk/bins.