LOCAL councils are cashing in on the price of recycled materials, saving Bournemouth and Poole taxpayers almost £1.3million a year.

Bournemouth and Poole councils have struck a revised deal with Viridor South West, agreeing a new price for recycled materials, which are now worth more than when the original contract was agreed.

The new three-year deal will see Bournemouth council, which has the fourth best recycling rate in the country, save more than £800,000 a year while Poole will save £480,000 a year.

Cllr Michael Filer, Bournemouth’s cabinet member for transport and technical services, said: “This is a magnificent saving for the council. At a time of government cutbacks, savings of this magnitude are absolutely vital in meeting our targets for efficiencies.”

And Cllr Xena Dion, Poole’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “This is a clear demonstration of how the councils work hard on behalf of local residents to get the best value for money.”