AN AVERAGE of 71 tonnes of recycling per week was collected in Copeland between Christmas and New Year.

It marks a huge increase in weekly recycling, which usually sits at 65 tonnes per week during the rest of the year.

Mike Starkie, elected Mayor of Copeland, said: “We all create more recycling at Christmas and it’s great to see it being put out for collection to be made into other products.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone in Copeland who recycles and urge them to keep up the good work.”

The recycling team’s busiest days were the Saturday and Sunday after Christmas where they collected 40 tonnes.

The increased recycling of plastic, card, paper, glass, and metal is equal to an extra three lorry loads each week.

“Twenty tonnes in one day is a huge achievement,” added Mr Starkie.

“It was an extremely busy time and I want to commend our collection teams, who worked tirelessly to deliver our service during the Christmas holidays.”