Residents across the district have expressed their anger over changes to recycling rules.

A woman from Lydden has spoken out over a lack of communication after her recycling was left un-emptied.

Jeanette Hubbard, of Church Lane, explained that her recycling was not taken away last week and she is still unsure why.

She said: “As a fully paid up council tax payer this has infuriated me but what has incensed me even further is the fact that I was on my way out in my car when the recycling lorry was at the gate. If there was a problem surely the collector could have spoken to me and perhaps I could have removed the offending item.”

A card was left with her rubbish stating what can and can not be taken with the recycling.

This includes mixed recycling which she claims to separate and plastic bags which have been taken before.

The 53-year-old explained an empty white bin liner was laid on top of her recycling which could have been the problem.

She added: “It would have taken a second to remove and I would have known for sure that this was the offending item and I would refrain from including this in the future.

“It seems to me it is not worth my time dividing up my rubbish just for it to be left behind.”

Mrs Hubbard contacted the district council for clarification and to ask why the collector didn’t speak to her directly but has had no response.

Another resident in Woodnesborough was left frustrated and annoyed after his recycling was also left last week.

When Peter Ayling, 54, of The Street, contacted the council he was told that contractors are enforcing rules which mean no plastic bags or bubble wrap.

Mr Ayling explained that he had been recycling for years and never had any problems.

He said: “They’re now sticking to the rules that apparently have always been in place but they chose to ignore. I don’t think the council should be allowed to get away with it.

“When you do the right think and recycle and now they won’t take it away, I feel like taking it down to the Guildhall in Sandwich and tipping it on to their step.”

Mr Ayling said he and his wife Lorraine, 49, both spend time sorting out their rubbish and this has put them off recycling altogether.

The Mercury contacted DDC and a spokesman explained that plastic bags are not part of the recycling scheme.

He added: “We thank all our residents who continue to recycle. However, we would remind householders to put the right materials in the right container.

“It is not the responsibility of our contractors to collect the recycling that is put out in the wrong containers.”

For more information visit the website at www.dover.gov.uk/recycling.