A NEW recycling competition in the city will off communities the chance to win money. 

Different areas of Oxford will compete to win funds for charities and community groups in a Blue Bin Recycling League.

The new scheme will see residents have the chance to win prizes for themselves and their community by improving recycling.

Each month those from the winning area – of which there are eight – will vote for a charity or community group to receive £400.

Two households in the area will be drawn from a hat to win a prize of at least £30.

Board member for Cleaner, Greener Oxford John Tanner said: “I hope everyone will get involved in the league.

“It will be fun, help good causes and boost Oxford’s recycling rates – but you have got to bin it to win it.”

To see how the areas are split up and to sign up to take part go to oxford.gov.uk/recyclingleague

Earlier this year, in a drive to encourage people to get rid of rubbish properly, the council contacted people in hundreds of flats, warning it could give them fixed penalty notices of £100 if landfill waste was mixed with recyclable items.

The authority has also revealed council officers would search bin sacks for clues – such as bills, letters and other identifying items – and ask neighbours for information in their pursuit of those who persistently flout the rules.

In the first six months of the year, 265 warning letters and just two fixed penalty notices were handed out.

Green party leader Craig Simmons said the tactic had proved “problematic” and said he hoped the new scheme would offer an incentive to recycle.