TENS of thousands of tonnes of waste have been recycled across the county as new figures show centres have been busier than last year despite the lockdown.

Several household recycling centres re-opened in Worcestershire in May and figures show the sites have been as busier than this time last year, despite social distancing restrictions.

Worcestershire County Council said it saw more than a 12 per cent increase in the waste deposited at recycling centres during May and June compared with the same period last year.

Over 14,000 tonnes of waste was delivered to the centres - the equivalent of more than 800,000 black bin bags.

Cllr Tony Miller, cabinet member for the environment, said: ““It’s great news that the teams at our household recycling centres have managed more waste than last year across May and June, even with all the restrictions that have understandably been in place.

“I like to say a personal thank you to staff for all their hard work and also a thank you to those who have visited the centres and have adhered to the social distancing measures and remained patient when the sites have been busy.

"Whilst this is great news, the key message from me is still about reducing the amount of waste you create and throw out in the first place.”