An area of Kent has been named one of the worst places for recycling in Britain – but the council says it's putting residents' preferences first.

A deep dive into recycling rates has revealed only 24.5% of residents in Dartford are separating their recycling from their household waste.

This is compared to Tonbridge and Malling whose rates are more than double and are the highest in the county at 51.6%.

One of the key differences between Tonbridge and Malling and the north Kent town is the method of rubbish collection.

For example in Dartford paper, cardboard, plastics and tins are all collected in the same bin. Whereas in Tonbridge and Malling, paper and cardboard is collected separately.

Priory Direct believes this could lead to people questioning whether their recycling is being properly separated, so not bothering to recycle at all.

Explaining their approach, Cllr Matt Boughton, leader of Tonbridge & Malling Council said: "We've taken some quite big and bold decisions and we have chosen the methodology.

"We were looking at what we can do in the community ourselves to meet our aspirations.

"The five year plan is to ensure we are collecting as much from the doorstep as possible and that is going off to recycling.

"We're looking at every household and asking how can we make it as easy as possible for residents to recycle, that's the approach we have taken."

In contrast, with only one in four people recycling effectively, Dartford ranks 327th out of 338 local authorities across the country, according to research by packaging firm, Priory Direct.

Last year Green Party Cllr for Newtown ward, Laura Edie started a petition asking residents to back increased recycling in the town.

She wants to see fortnightly general and weekly recycling introduced.

"The last survey is one that is being used at the moment, but there is going to be another one before the next waste contract is due out," she said. "I really urge residents to have their say."

It's not the first time Dartford has been ranked the worst in the county for recycling – but it's defiant in the face of criticism.

The authority says it ranks its success on the amount sent to landfill and the service it delivers for residents.

It states on its website "the cost of collecting recycling waste every week would mean double the cost to council tax payers and lead to twice as many collection lorries in our streets each week".

Asked about their rates Cllr Jeremy Kite, leader of the council, said: "Here in Dartford we listen to the needs of local people and let them have a say in how they recycle.

"That's why we have a system that's low effort for residents, but has a great impact on the environment.

"Less than one per cent of waste collected in Dartford gets sent to landfill and most of the remainder is used to create energy.

"The council is proud of its strong environmental focus – only this year we introduced a climate change team to oversee projects that help us cut carbon emissions and do our bit to build a greener society."

But Cllr Kelly Grehan, leader of the Dartford Labour Group, said the current rates were "really not good enough".

"The recycling rates in Dartford are a disgrace, and make a mockery of any suggestion Planet Dartford is working in regard to this town making its contribution towards reversing climate change," she said.