WORCESTER’S place in the top six of English council areas for recycling items like paper, glass and cans is good news.

The idea that such waste should not just be thrown in with the rest of the household rubbish is now second nature for many people.

There is still progress to be made, however, and there are a number of reasons why even a high place in the green league table still means less than half of these items are recycled.

Some people view failing to recycle as a simple act of rebellion against what they perceive to be increasingly overbearing authorities. For others time is a factor – they may want to be greener but find the hectic nature of family life gets in the way.

Many others struggle because councils seem to make recycling difficult. The lack of green waste collections – grass cuttings and materials that can be composted – in most parts of Worcestershire is an example of this.

We also think the recession will make many people think again about environmentally-friendly – but often more expensive – alternatives.

It is easy to preach about saving the planet. But for most of us saving money will be the priority over the next couple of years. There is a real danger that the march of green progress will be forced into reverse gear by the economic crisis.

The people of Worcester are clearly doing a great job as they do their bit for the environment.

But keeping the city’s place at the top of the recycling league is likely to be a considerable challenge as the economic downturn worsens.