WAYS to increase recycling rates across Blackburn with Darwen and reduce waste sent to landfill sites are to be discussed by councillors.

Members of the borough council’s overview and scrutiny committee will meet for an update on refuse disposal and recycling. In 2016/17, the recycling rate in Blackburn with Darwen was 36.7 per cent – 259th out of 350 local authorities in England.

Last year, members heard currently about 40 per cent of waste in the borough is recycled ­— below the government target of 50 per cent.

Currently people can put cans, glass, plastic, paper-based cartons, paper and cardboard, margarine/butter tubs, yoghurt pots, clear plastic food trays, takeaway trays, and most plastic packaging in their grey recycling bin.

Food and drink containers must be rinsed out while plastic bottles and cardboard boxes should be squashed.

Recyclables should be put loose in the bin, not in bags.