THANKS to the recycling efforts of residents, Braintree District is now in the top four in Essex with a recycling rate of 54.07 per cent.

From April 2010 to March 2011 residents recycled 30,874 tonnes of their waste – a result which means the area is recycling more rubbish than is being sent to landfill.

“The efforts of residents are really making a difference, so thank you to everyone for doing so well,” said Cllr Wendy Schmitt, cabinet member for the environment.

“This is a major achievement. We know a lot of people are keen recyclers, so when the new weekly food waste collection comes to parts of our district in September, with your help we will be able to divert even more of our waste.”

The council has set a new target for 2011/12 of 56 per cent. But it is believed that 60 per cent is also achievable which would put the district five per cent ahead of Uttlesford.