ONE in ten households in West Somerset has joined West Somerset District Council's new garden waste collection service. In the first six weeks of the council's new opt-in scheme, contractors Cleanaway collected ten tonnes of garden waste - equivalent to the weight of three elephants. The service is optional and those who choose to use it can either hire a wheelie bin from the council at a cost of £38 for a 'season' or buy non-reusable paper sacks at £5 for ten. Garden waste may still be disposed of free of charge at any of the civic amenity sites. The green waste collected fortnightly by the council is being converted into a soil conditioner which can be used instead of peat and bought from the household waste recycling centres in Minehead, Williton and Dulverton. A new kerbside recycling service for glass and cans, which are now collected along with paper and cardboard, has also proved popular. Cllr Ann Foxhuntley, who holds the environment portfolio, said: "With the enthusiastic support of residents, we are making great strides towards the challenging recycling targets which the Government has laid down for local councils." Cans, bottles and jars should be washed and put out for collection by 7.30am. Any overspill should be left beside the box in a re-used carrier bag. Anyone who has lost their recycling box or whose box has been damaged may contact the council for a replacement. For information about the council's recycling and refuse collection services visit http://www.westsomersetonline">www.westsomersetonline. gov.uk or email customerservices@ westsomerset.gov.uk or phone 01643 703704.