THE people of Somerset are recycling as never before - and those in Minehead are making the biggest effort in the whole county.

Figures just released show record levels at the 18 household waste recycling centres in Somerset and a dramatic rise in the amount of reusable waste taken to tips.

On average, the centres are recycling 32.8 per cent of the materials taken to them compared with 24.3 per cent last year.

It amounted to more than 15,700 tonnes of material ranging from glass bottles to garden waste, from metals to clothing.

In Minehead, the figure was 54 per cent during April to June this year and 36 per cent last year - and in both periods this was the highest amount in Somerset.

In Williton, 49 per cent of material taken to the centre was recycled - a leap from 31 per cent in April to June 2001. This was the third highest proportion of recycled waste.

The figures are based on the Government's method of measurement which does not include soil and hardcore. If they were included, the amount segregated at centres in the county rises from 21 per cent last year to 44 per cent.

Wyvern Waste Services managing director Andrew Olie said: "These are very good figures. It shows that our staff are working very hard to help our sites achieve the tough new targets placed on the county council by central government.

"Clearly there is room for continuing improvements and we would encourage everyone to recycle and re-use materials whenever they can."