A NEW recycling collection service is being wheeled in this week for Rossendale residents.

As part of the Valley's war against waste almost every house in the Valley has been given a new wheelie bin, and the authority will be boosting its recycling services with the introduction of an enhanced collection for garden waste.

More than 10,000 households across the borough will receive the new biodegradable bags to collect grass cuttings, clippings, old bedding plants, and leaves.

This is in addition to approximately 5,000 properties already benefiting from an organic waste collection.

The garden waste will be collected and recycled on a fortnightly basis, and means that almost every property in Rossendale with a garden should now have access to a garden waste collection service.

The new service will help ensure that green waste goes straight to the compost heap, rather then being collected with ordinary household waste.

The move will not only help protect the environment, but also boost the council's already good recycling record.

Coun Judith Driver, cabinet member for streetscene and liveablility, said: "I would encourage as many local residents as possible to make use of this new service.

"The new garden waste composting scheme is an important part of the council's wider ambitions for encouraging recycling among our residents.

"We hope residents will be encouraged to get active in their gardens, knowing they can compost their waste conveniently."

Last year the council won praise from Audit Commission inspectors, who said the borough's recycling rates were on the increase.

The commission's report rated the council's waste management service "fair with promising prospects" - an improvement on the 2001 inspection.

Inspectors concluded that households in Rossendale were putting out less rubbish for collection, with recycling and composting on the increase, and the town centres and main roads being cleaner.

Residents wanting further information about the scheme should contact 01706 878660.