A NEW recycling system has caused some confusion among residents since its launch.

Thousands of Tendring residents have been given separate bins for paper, plastic bottles and tins, and food waste.

Tendring Council said the first rounds yesterday had seen 70 per cent of people taking part and using the recycling service correctly, 15 per cent taking part but making mistakes and 15 per cent not participating.

However, there have been complaints, including confusion over what can be recycled, recycling boxes provided without lids, allowing waste paper to blow away, and food bins attracting rats and foxes.

Extra staff are manning the council call centre to deal with problems.

Nick Turner, councillor responsible for the environment, said: “We predicted there would be teething problems and my department has received a large number of calls from residents, which we were fully prepared for.

“We are geared up and fully committed to continuing to assist residents over the next six months and beyond as the new service beds in.

“The aim of the changes is to reduce the costs to the council, and therefore the taxpayer, increase recycling and improve our environment.”

The scheme, designed to boost recycling rates by 5 per cent and save £450,000 a year, will be extended to almost every household in the district by the end of May.

Mr Turner said there had been a positive response from many residents.

He added: “I want to make it clear it is not compulsory – we are asking and offering, not telling and demanding.”

Anyone with mobility problems will have their waste and recycling collected from their door.

An information leaflet says very little rubbish should have to go in black bags.