IN common with most people I had to deal with considerably more recycling over the Christmas period. My wife washed out all the cans, bottles and jars.

We sorted the paper, making sure we did not accidentally slip glossy wrapping paper in with the newspapers and cardboard.

Food waste, of which there was more than usual, was carefully sorted. Meat products, cat food, chicken bones etc in with the general waste and fruit and vegetable peelings in the garden waste.

Boxes that had held presents needed to be dismantled so any plastic was removed before the box was flattened for disposal.

Eventually all was ready and I was able to carry the green boxes to the end of my drive and then make sure the wheelie bin was positioned so that the recycling team would not have to take more than two steps on to the pavement.

I did all this but still the binmen (sorry, waste and recycling team) came and left without even giving me a tip.

And I thought it was Christmas!

It could all be so different. About an hour's drive from Blackburn is a city which collects general waste every week and a recycling wheelie bin once a month.

All recycling goes in together and, in exchange for residents paying their council tax, they sort it for you back at their depot!

We can live in hope.

COUNCILLOR BRIAN GORDON, Meadowhead Ward, Blackburn.