Residents have been reminded only to put clean and dry paper and card in bins following ‘high volume of contamination’.

Blackburn with Darwen Council are reminding residents to ensure that they are only putting accepted recycling in their blue bins.

The council have said that should just one bin be contaminated, all waste collected on the truck has to be disposed of in general waste/

A spokesperson for the council said: “Unfortunately, it's come to our attention that there is high volumes of contamination in our paper and cardboard recycling trucks.

“We can only accept clean and dry paper or card in your blue bins.

“If a truck is contaminated, every single bit of paper and cardboard recycling is instead sent to general waste disposal.

“This is not only a waste of our combined efforts and resources but is harmful to our planet too.

“Please, please remember - your blue bin is for clean and dry paper and cardboard only.

“You cannot put any plastic or bin bags in your blue bin. Instead, put these in your burgundy bin.

“Wet paper and cardboard must also go in your burgundy bin.

“We really don't want to see any bin trucks rejected - so please share this message with your friends and family.”

Residents are asked to visit the council website if they want more information.