Wychavon has the second best record in the West Midlands when it comes to recycling household waste, according to figures released this week.

Only Lichfield, where more than a fifth of waste was recycled in 2003/4, has a better record - and they are in the top ten in England.

The figures, released by the GMB, Britain's general union, were culled from figures supplied by local authorities to the Audit Commission.

In the Wychavon District Council area, the percentage of total tonnage of household waste recycled reached 17.2 alongside the 22.6 recorded by Lichfield. In third place was Worcester, with 16.3 per cent, almost a full percentage point behind.

At the foot of the table of 34 local authorities were Walsall with 5.1 per cent and Wolverhampton with just 4.2 per cent.

Sharon Casswell, client services manager for Wychavon, said: "We are delighted to hear we are second in the rankings.

"We have always recognised the importance of recycling and have been active in this field since 1995. But we cannot be complacent. We will continue to encourage people to recycle waste."

She added that 94 per cent of households in the Wychavon district now had purple and clear sacks for the disposal of recyclable waste.

Martin Hird, GMB public services officer said: "This new analysis shows the great strides councils have made in recycling household waste.

"GMB is confident that when the figures for 2004/5 are published that the councils at the bottom of the league will be recycling a higher tonnage than last year.

"Recycling has thrown up a range of health and safety hazards like broken glass and methane gas, etc. GMB and councils are working to find solutions to those problems."

6 Refuse collectors Zunus Straipys, left, and Alfie Johns help Wychavon near the top of the recycling table. Picture by LOUISE BARNSLEY dc9712