A WASTE Wizard has been brought in to encourage townsfolk to recycle their rubbish.

The wise old man has joined the staff at the district council as the mascot for a campaign to encourage everyone to put what waste they can to further use.

The Waste Wizard's message is simple - "You sort, we collect, together we make magic."

Over the next few months the Waste Wizard will be popping up all over the district - in person, at schools and on posters, even on the back of the authority's parking tickets.

Wizard 'bugs' and badges have also been produced as part of the high-profile campaign for the council's new kerb-side service, which includes the collection of both green waste and dry recyclables such as paper, glass, textiles, cans and plastics.

Councillor Roger Hollingworth (Con-Alvechurch) said: "We want to move away from burying rubbish in landfill sites by encouraging everyone to recycle more of their waste.

"We hope the Waste Wizard will encourage people to think carefully before throwing out their rubbish because it pays to recycle."

The council is also advertising the new service in the press and on radio, and, has sent out dispensation forms to every household in the district for residents, especially the elderly and disabled, who are worried they will not be able to cope with the new system.

David Williams, director of environmental services, said: "We have received ten thousand replies which have now been reduced to six thousand, some of which will require site visits."

One of the most asked questions is the bin size. They are 43 inches high, 23 inches wide and 30 inches deep. The new scheme will be introduced gradually throughout the area starting in March, 2004. A special Helpline - 01527 881633 - and e-mail recycling@bromsgrove.gov.uk have also been set up offering further help and advice.