Oxfordshire has to reduce what goes to landfill, both to avoid being fined and to reduce greenhouse gas emission from landfill sites.

This means thinking more about what we throw away.

Schemes which require us to sort material collected for recycling and that sent to landfill ensure that this happens.

There are teething problems.

This household is as confused as others about the distinction between office paper and other paper and what goes into blue boxes and what goes into green, but we're getting there. It's been a great topic of conversation and debate around the table.

Green wheelie bins do require a bit of a shift in thinking and behaviour, but surely they are more effective against attacks from vermin than black bin bags which are so easily ripped open by hungry rats, foxes and birds?

The refuse scattered about the streets, whem black bags are left out, is a sight more ugly and harmful to public health than rubbish stored in wheelie bins for a fortnight.

Come on, Oxfordshire, let's be positive.

I, for one, am thankful that we have in Jean Fooks a councillor with a sense of purpose about this.

The council staff should be thanked for all their hard work and patience in implementing this initiative, not demoralised by criticism.

Let's support the council by contributing constructively on the challenge of waste reduction and recycling.

It's for everyone's benefit.

KATE LACK Frenchay Road Oxford