Kington residents have reached a new record after figures show that more than half of the borough’s rubbish was recycled in the last year.

From April 2017 to June 2017, residents achieved a recycling rate of 50.6 per cent, leaving Kingston with the third best rate in the capital.

The data, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), also shows that the amount of waste collected for disposal to landfill or energy recovery has reduced, saving an estimated £60,000 for 2017/18 in waste disposal costs.

Councillor Phil Doyle, portfolio holder for waste services at Kingston Council, said it was “fantastic news”.

He said: “Credit goes to our residents for an increase in both food waste recycling and use of the new recycling system for residents who live in purpose built flats across the borough.

“We are dedicated to reaching our target of recycling of 50 per cent for the year and the results of the first quarter of the 2017/18 year make very encouraging reading.

“Our overall recycling rate is increasing year on year, from 45.8 per cent for 2015/16 to 47 per cent for 2016/17.

“If our recycling team and the community continue this good work, my hope is that we see another record-breaking year of sustainability in Kingston.”