RECYCLING rates are continuing to fall in Winchester, a meeting heard.

The city council's is currently 34.7 per cent, compared to 32.8 per cent in East Hampshire, with whom Winchester runs its domestic recycling operation.

The national average is 42 per cent.

Robert Heathcock, the two authorities's environmental service contract manager, said the fall would be tackled by education.

He said major changes such as collection of food waste would be needed to substantially increase the rate.

The next 12 months will see mew branding, new Biffa vehicle livery, a publicity campaign, improved bin contamination checks and the renewal of the textile collection contract.