This expansion to the recycling service will enable residents to recycle plastic trays, pots and tubs in their green or blue recycling bins from April 1, 2016. Councillor Brian Hanvey, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee is delighted with this announcement. He said: “With the Council’s ever growing focus and effort to encourage recycling across the Council area, I am pleased it has expanded the types of ridged plastic material that residents can recycle from home. “In addition to plastic bottles residents can now recycle popular household items such as plastic yogurt pots, plastic fruit containers, plastic ready meal trays, plastic butter and margarine tubs in their green or blue recycling bins. “Please ensure that these items are clean and dry before placing in the recycling bin. “I am extremely mindful of how diligent our residents already are when it comes to recycling and doing their bit for the environment. “With this expansion, I believe that by working together, we can make a big impact to recycling levels whilst reducing landfill waste costs and keeping rates low.” Residents are asked to remove any plastic film or foil lids from any of the items, which should be placed in the general waste bin if plastic film or put in the recycling bin if aluminium foil. Cling film should also be disposed of in the general waste bin. For further information on recycling in the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area log on to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk, call the Recycling Hotline on 028 9250 9453 or email: recycling@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk.