Wiltshire Council has won a national award in recognition of its work to encourage people to recycle.

Councillor Nick Holder, cabinet member for waste, was met with applause when he presented the trophy in the council meeting on Tuesday. 

The council launched their ‘Recycling: Let’s Sort It’ campaign in February following an increase in items put in blue-lidded bins that can’t be recycled. 

It won Best Communications Campaign of the Year at the the LARAC (Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee) Conference Celebration Awards, which were held on Wednesday, October 11. 

The council’s data shows that more than a third of the items put in the general rubbish skips at HRCs could have been recycled.

It has reported a decrease in incorrectly sorted rubbish since the start of the campaign, from over 18 per cent to under 10 per cent. 

Sorting tables have recently been introduced in recycling centres across the county to help people avoid mistakes.

Cllr Nick Holder said: “We are delighted to win this award for our work to encourage people to recycle as much as possible. 

“We’ve asked that people make simple changes and ensure they are putting the right materials in the right bins, and that small change in behaviour helps make a big difference. 

“Winning this national award demonstrates we’re making great progress and we’ll be working hard to see that continue. We thank everyone for their support.”