Monmouthshire residents are being challenged to get into the recycling habit and really turn their county green.

Over the next 12 months every kilo of aluminium cans or foil recycled will count towards trees that will be planted locally in parks, gardens and school grounds.

Monmouthshire County Council, supported by Viridor Waste Management, working with Monmouthshire Community Recycling, will be part of a nation-wide programme that aims to plant over 35,000 trees next year.

Ruth Meeke, operations manager of Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) said: 'It couldn't be easier to take part, simply recycle your aluminium cans and foil through can banks, kerbside or community recycling schemes - every can and piece of foil will count.'

In Monmouthshire last year 28 tonnes of cans and foil were recycled and with the recent introduction, by Monmouthshire Community Recycling, of kerbside can collections in Magor, Undy and Caldicot, with further expansion planned, this figure is due to rise.

Cllr Pam Birchall, for Monmouthshire County Council, welcomed this new initiative and commented: 'Waste is Monmouthshire's biggest environment issue - to reduce our reliance on landfill for the disposal of our rubbish.

'With the help of Monmouthshire Community Recycling and of course local residents we intend to meet this challenge.'

Recycling aluminium saves 95 percent of the energy used in primary production, so saving natural resources as well as reducing litter and waste.

To find out more information contact the council on 01633 644119 or Alupro on lo-call 0845 7227722 or visit www.alupro.org.uk