The amount of green waste being recycled in the city has increased by 21 per cent in the past year council figures show.

More than 3,110 tonnes was recycled at the two centres in Sheepcote Valley, Brighton, and Leighton Road, Hove.

The waste was taken to a farm at Patcham to improve the soil where the farmer has reduced the use of artificial fertiliser as a result.

The council also reports cardboard recycling was up 40 per cent to 304 tonnes while the amount of metal recycled increased by 22 per cent to 1,219 tonnes.

Staff at both centres have encouraged people to separate material that can be recycled and have provided new recycling points there.

Recycling of oil and textiles at both sites is also increasing although figures are not available.

A wood store at Hove is helping to salvage unwanted timber and a recycling shop helps find new homes for unwanted household items which would otherwise have been dumped.

Environment councillor Chris Morley said: "It is vital that we reduce the amount of waste going to landfill sites and the success of recycling at our centres shows how people can do their bit to help.

"Every piece of waste recycled helps. It all adds up to make a difference."