RECYCLING rates have improved and less waste is going to landfill since the introduction of a new collection system earlier this year.

In April Malvern Hills District Council replaced its previous two-bag recycling system with a single-bag scheme that allows a greater range of waste to be recycled.

Figures show that recycling rates jumped to 32.5 per cent during April and May, compared to the overall figure of 28 per cent for 2009/10.

Coun Bronwen Behan, responsible for environmental control, said the early indications from the new scheme were extremely positive.

But she believes it will be a few more months before the true impact of the changes can be measured.

“We have to be careful because I think perhaps some residents would have held back recycling for the introduction of the scheme, but the indications are that we will see an improvement,” she said. “People have been very enthusiastic and have certainly welcomed the new cherry sacks.

“Malvern Hills residents continue to show that they are marvellous recyclers and we have been very pleased with the transition to the new system.”

Coun Behan expects to have a better indication of just how successful the new recycling system has been ahead of a meeting of MHDC’s waste management board in September.

MHDC has also seen a surge in the amount of garden waste being collected as more residents take up an optional green waste collection scheme.

About 75 tonnes more green waste - almost 70 per cent - was collected from homes in April and May compared to the same period last year.

“That shows that people are making the most of the service,” said Coun Behan.