I CAN assure "Disappointed Taxpayer" (Baffled by the binmen, April 1) that the recyclable items in his or her black box will indeed be recycled.

The collectors use a black bin to enable them to transfer the contents of the black boxes into the refuse truck which is dedicated on those occasions to the collection of recyclables only. The reason for this change in procedure is that the council is now able to send glass and plastic bottles and aluminium and steel cans to a plant in Darwen where they are mechanically separated.

There is thus no longer a need to have a specially kitted-out flat bed truck in which council staff sort the bottles and cans by hand. Mechanical separation is quicker and therefore more cost-effective. It is essential, however, that householders continue to put only recyclable items in their black boxes to avoid contamination by other waste.

COUNCILLOR

DEREK BODEN