A SCHEME which aimed to improve recycling uptake by paying for community projects has been binned after five years.

Oxford's Blue Bin League was aimed at encouraging residents to do more recycling and waste less through funding charities working in the city.

This included The Ronald McDonald House Charities, who support families with children in hospital, Restore, who work with people with mental health issues, and Yellow Submarine, who work with young people with learning disabilities and autism.

On 30 September, the scheme ended.

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Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member Customer Focused Services said: “The Blue Bin Recycling League has proved its worth, but now it’s time to move on. Over time, there has become less of a need for recycling to be incentivised. As environmental factors make headlines and bring it to the forefront of everyone’s minds, Oxford’s residents are actively engaging with recycling."

But the city's Green leader Craig Simmons was disappointed it was ending, describing it as ' an integral part of Oxford's efforts to increase recycling rates.'

He said: "This is a very poor decision that will have a detrimental environmental impact"