THE level of contamination in the borough's recycled waste has nearly doubled in the last two years it was revealed this week.The increase, from seven per cent in 2007 to 13.

THE level of contamination in the borough's recycled waste has nearly doubled in the last two years it was revealed this week.

The increase, from seven per cent in 2007 to 13.8pc this year, means there is less money to invest in waste services in the Great Yarmouth area.

Part of the rise is being blamed on passers-by dropping rubbish in other people's bins as well as an increase in householders not re-cycling properly.

The borough has the highest contamination rate in the Norfolk which has resulted in a cut in re-cycling credits to spend on new equipment and improving collections.

Great Yarmouth waste and re-cycling communications officer Lisa Crook said: “The first 5pc of the contamination is borne as processing losses at the recycling centre and anything above that amount is taken off the bottom line in terms of recycling credits paid back to the borough. When you think that the contamination rate without the first 5pc used to be at about 2pc then at around 9pc our rates of contamination have increased considerably.”

“Lots of people are not aware that carrier bags are a contaminant in the green wheelie bin and these are one of the things that are often dumped by passers-by.”

The council this week launched a campaign with the police and refuse collection providers GYBS to crack down on residents leaving their bins on the street. Promoted under the label Is Your Bin a Dirty Stop Out? cards are being distributed to residents and posters displayed around the borough.

After the first month of the campaign residents run the risk of an �80 fine if bins are left on the street other than on designated collection days.

Householders not storing bins on their property has been blamed for an increase in the number of bins being stolen and set alight.

The council's environment portfolio holder Jim Shrimplin said: “Bins left in the street present a hazard, particularly for the disabled, sight impaired and those using wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters. They detract from what could otherwise be an attractive streetscene. We need wheeled bins, they are functional items, but we don't need to see them out on the pavement all week, particularly when it can be dangerous.”

Residents with problems storing their bins should call 01493 846409.