In the United Kingdom, 40,000 tonnes of mixed plastics – including items not previously accepted – were recycled in 2009, up almost 50% in a year.

Barry Turner of the Plastics 2020 Challenge, which represents the three main trade bodies involved with the manufacture and use of plastics in packaging, said: "We welcome the fact that many councils are enabling their voters to participate in this local recycling revolution, which our research shows they have a great desire to do when it is made easy and simple. This trend must continue next year but still has a very long way to go to reach the 23m homes now putting out plastic bottles for kerbside collection. This shows what can be achieved when the system joins up to deliver environmental benefits for all."

(Source: Campaigners hail 'recycling revolution' as plastics collection soars [Guardian])