Pembrokeshire residents are among the most environment-friendly in Wales with a recycling rate of 15.62 per cent last year. This is already above the 2003-2004 target set by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Pembrokeshire's recycling rate has risen steadily over the last few years which demonstrates how people in the county are committed and enthusiastic about looking after the environment in which they live.

During 2002, Pembrokeshire County Council collected an astonishing 5,469 tonnes of recyclate from Bring Centres and Civic Amenity/Recycling Centres.

Materials which can be recycled include newspapers, magazines, books, cans (aluminium and steel), glass, oils, car batteries, scrap metals, textiles, Yellow Pages/telephone directories and Christmas cards.

A total of 5,624 tonnes of green waste was brought in to the Civic Amenity/Recycling Centres for composting.

It is only through the public's efforts that these figures have been achievable.

In line with the council's Waste Strategy, recycling facilities for householders will expand and improve in the next few years, making it easier than ever for everyone to recycle.

It is planned that a kerbside collection scheme will be introduced by 2005 to 40 per cent of households within Pembrokeshire and gradually be extended to cover all households within the county.

Containers will be provided to households for their dry recyclables - such as newspapers, magazines, steel and aluminium cans, plastics and cardboard - which will then be collected by the county council from the kerbside for recycling.

Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet member for the environment and transportation, Clr. Brian Hall, said it was only through the efforts of local people that the current recycling rate had been achieved.

He went on: "I'd like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who is recycling their waste. We cannot afford to relax though. The Welsh Assembly Government has set tough new targets for waste reduction and recycling which we must meet.

"It is a very exciting time and the present recycling rate reflects the willingness of everyone within Pembrokeshire to participate in recycling initiatives.

"As the local authority we are looking forward to introducing the kerbside collection of dry recyclables and hope that the enthusiasm, commitment and participation of local people will continue and become a way of life."

Clr. Hall said residents would be notified of how they can be involved as new initiatives are implemented.