HOUSEHOLDS in the Stroud district will be able to do their bit for the environment and help the local authority save thousands of pounds with the launch of a new recycling scheme.

As of July residents will be able to recycle all plastic packaging and bottles, and cardboard for the first time.

To help with the new recycling scheme from May 21 Stroud District Council will be delivering new green wheelie-bins to more than 40,000 homes.

However, 9,000 homes, almost 20 per cent of the district, will not be able to have a wheelie-bin either because of their location or style of property, so will be given a durable recycling bag instead.

Carlos Novoth, public space manager at Stroud District Council, said: "Our surveys have consistently shown that residents want to be able to recycle plastic packaging, cardboard and Tetra Paks and now we are making that possible."

From this summer residents will be asked to sort their rubbish putting plastic packaging and bottles, glass bottles and jars, foil and batteries in the new wheelie-bins. Paper, cardboard and cartons will go in the existing recycling boxes.

The recyclable waste will be collected on a fortnightly basis, but black rubbish bags will still be collected weekly.

This week more than 50,000 letters have been sent to every household across the district explaining the scheme.

Leaders at Stroud District Council have said the scheme will save the authority from £50,000 during the first year and up to £100,000 annually thereafter because of the reduction in waste sent to landfill and the income generated by the recycling.

Mr Novoth said the new scheme was progress for the district but that they hoped to extend it further in years to come.

He said: "Food waste is definitely something for the future. It is important we do that from the start of the next contract 2016 onwards."

The district council will be holding roadshows over the coming months about the new recycling scheme including Cam Parish Council open day, Chapel Street on Tuesday, May 22, Stroud Farmers' Market on Saturday, May 19, Stroud Show at Stratford Park on Saturday, July 21.

If a household has not received a wheelie-bin or a bag by June 29 they need to contact Stroud District Council on 01453 754424.

For more information on the service visit www.stroud.gov.uk/recycling