WOKINGHAM councillors are urging residents to keep paper waste dry, after a batch sent by the council was called "too damp" to recycle.

This change comes after it was announced that global economic changes meant recycling plants will no longer be accepting wet or damp cardboard or paper.

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Although the council's measures are only temporary, Wokingham Borough Council are urging residents to keep its paper waste dry, until a long-term solution is made possible.

The council has suggested keeping paper and cardboard recycling dry this season by covering your recycling box with something waterproof, keeping your recycling inside if you have space, or keeping your recycling in your garage or shed.

It also suggested stacking your black boxes with the paper filled one at the bottom or putting your black boxes out on the morning of collection rather than night before.

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Wokingham Borough Council director of customer and localities Sarah Hollamby said: “We know the people of Wokingham Borough are passionate about recycling and that is why we believe our Stamp Out the Damp campaign will be successful.

"We do realise we are asking people to go that extra mile to keep their paper and card dry but there are simple ways it can be done.

“Food waste recycling has been a huge hit and has helped push our recycling rates up to unprecedented levels, and the way our residents have taken to that makes us confident they will also want to keep paper and card dry.

“Targeting 60per cent and higher is a tough challenge but we believe it is essential given the environmental crisis the world faces.

"As part of this we are taking stock of our current waste and recycling services and are reviewing potential options that help us boost rates – and solve the damp paper problem.”