Recycling in Oxfordshire is at its highest ever level, according to figures released by Environment Minister Elliot Morley.

Oxfordshire recycled 20 per cent of its household waste, including paper, compost, glass, plastic bottles, plastic containers and tin cans in 2002/3.

A national target of recycling and composting 25 per cent of total household waste has been set for 2005/6 and the county's recycling chief Adam Symons said Oxfordshire was already well on the way to achieving the target.

He added: "We have compiled our own figures for 2003/4 and they show we are up to 24 per cent, with 28 per cent being reached in recent months.

"Cherwell District Council has introduced new systems in the past year, so its latest figures should now be well over 30 per cent.

"Although Mr Morley is releasing slightly old figures they do reflect the progress the people of Oxfordshire have been making with recycling."

Last month, Mr Symons caused a stir when he dumped 10 tonnes of household waste in Broad Street to demonstrate that 230,000 tonnes of waste is tipped in landfill sites each year. By 2020, that must be cut to 60,000 tonnes.

Urging the public to put more of their waste in recycling bins to help meet the new recycling target, Mr Morley said: "Oxfordshire is now recycling more than ever - and lots of you have done your bit.

"Now let's do more.

"These days, using the home recycling bins and boxes provided by the council, it's often as easy to put aside waste for recycling as it is to throw it away.

"Every old newspaper or empty tin can makes a difference."

Local authorities are required by law to recycle and compost waste to meet the 25 per cent national recycling target for 2005/6.

The Department of Environment provides funding and a range of support services.

Mr Morley said: "Most councils are working hard to improve recycling rates, providing kerbside boxes and expanding the range of waste materials collected, for example.

"But a significant minority are still not doing enough - in some places the national minimum target of 10 per cent has not been reached.

"We can help local authorities improve, and want to work together with less-strong performers to achieve better results.

"But those who do not show a commitment to improve their recycling levels risk intervention by the Government."