A NEW recycling scheme in Pendle is set to be phased in during the New Year.

Every house in the borough is to have a green box for glass and cans, which will be collected fortnightly.

The new system will save people the trouble of taking recyclable materials to collection points.

Pendle Council's executive member for the environment, Coun John David, said: "We are doing very well with composting and recycling and now we are bringing in the green boxes on a compulsory basis.

"We're introducing this new system to make it easier to recycle. If people want more than one box we can supply extra ones."

At the moment people can volunteer for a green box. Householders will not be expected to sort their aluminium and steel cans or different colours of glass.

Because the new system means fewer people will use collection sites, a number of recycling points will be closed.

The council is also setting up a telephone helpline for people who want to know more about the system.