IT is pleasing to see that Tendring’s dreadfully low recycling rates have improved following the introduction of the new waste recycling service.

While residents still have some issues with collections, the increase in the amount of waste being recycled rather than sent to landfill is a good thing.

Data from Essex County Council showed that in September recycling was at 41.8 per cent, compared to 29 per cent for the same month in 2018.

While we can all aim to live more sustainable lives - and buy goods with less packaging and reusing what we can - any improvement must we welcomed.

But more can be done - including more types of waste being collected as part of any future waste contact the council signs.

Being a coastal district, the impact of plastic ending up in our seas is all too evident here - and we must all endeavour to recycle more.

With alterations to collections and the extra waste created at Christmas time thanks to wrapping paper, it’s tempting to put it all out in black sacks.

But with a little effort this festive season, we can boost our recycling rates even more.