New figures say that Wycombe District Council has made the top ten of the most improved recycling authorities.

According to the recent statistics, published by letsrecycle.com, it has been ranked as the eighth most improved, measuring an increase in the overall recycling rate from 39 per cent for 2012/13 to 47 per cent for the year 2013/14.

It ranked WDC 108 out of more than 400 local authorities.

Cllr Jean Teesdale, Wycombe District Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: "We are really pleased to be featured as a top ten "mover" for 2013/14.

Over the past 18 months, the Joint Waste Team has worked hard to roll out an enhanced recycling service to meet the needs of local residents, as part of our "place" priority around sustainability.

"As the enhanced service had only been running for five months when these league tables were compiled, we are hopeful that recycling rates will continue to go up in the future."

The council's new, more far-reaching, household recycling scheme was rolled out across the district last autumn as part of a joing contract with Chiltern District Council.

The councils saved £1.2 million a year in the partnership and is aiming to boost recycling rates to 60 per cent next year.