A RECYCLING scheme in Dorset has been given whole-hearted approval from residents.

Nearly 90 per cent of 5,000 people in Christchurch, East Dorset and North Dorset who responded to a recent survey about the Dorset Waste Partnership, said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with the service, which launched in October 2012.

Only 4 per cent were dissatisfied and 1 per cent very dissatisfied.

Nearly three quarters said the scheme was better than the previous service, while only 8 per cent felt it was worse. And 85 per cent said they recycle more of their waste at home than before the new service.

In their comments, residents offered suggestions for improvements – such as a seasonal rather than year-round garden waste collection at a reduced cost – and highlighted some nagging problems, such as the need for more care by collection crews when replacing bins.

Residents also wanted to see Tetra-Pak cartons, plastic bags and film and aluminium foil added to the recycling service.

Cllr Hilary Cox, Chair of the DWP Joint Committee, said: “More than a quarter of the people we contacted took the opportunity to give us their views, which is a tremendous response to our first survey.

“What is most striking – but not surprising – about these results is how passionate people in Dorset are about recycling. Thanks to their efforts, recycling rates have doubled since they switched to the new service. “Now these results show us that most people are pleased with the changes, with nearly three quarters seeing the service as an improvement.

“Of course, not all the feedback is positive and we will listen to the comments people have made to further improve the service in the future.”