A NEW household waste recycling centre is to be built in Bolton in an attempt to increase Greater Manchester's recycling rate.

The location for the new site, whch is expected to be in operation by about 2009, has not yet been decided, but a number of potential sites have already been put forward to developers for consideration.

The project forms part of a major overhaul of the current network of household waste recycling centres which, as well as a new site in Bolton, will improve existing facilities in Bury, Salford, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford.

In a bid to raise awareness of recycling, a public education centre will also be built at Raikes Lane in Bolton, as well as at Pilsworth in Bury, Longley Lane in Manchester and one other site in the south of the conurbation.

The projects form part of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority's proposed 25-year contract with Viridor Waste Management and John Laing Infrastructure, which intends to put a £330 million investment into local waste management services.

The GMWDA said that it expects to create up to 100 jobs across the borough as part of the investment.

Councillor Elaine Sherrington, Bolton Council's executive member for recycling, said: "This is a major investment in the future, and it is certainly welcome news.

"It will help increase both our own recycling figures here in Bolton, as well as contributing towards better figures for the region."

The proposals are designed to increase Greater Manchester's recycle rate to 50 per cent.

The plans include two new "clean" materials recovery facilities to sort the metal, glass and plastic recyclable materials and to bulk up paper and card that is collected by local recycling services.

These are likely to be located in Manchester and at Waithlands in Rochdale, and new treatment plants in Oldham, Manchester, Salford and Stockport; More than 20 planning applications will be submitted over the next five months to Greater Manchester local authorities.

Councillor Neil Swannick Chair of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority said: "Greater Manchester produces about five per cent of national household waste and we must do our bit to reduce that total."

Where you can take your rubbishHousehold Waste Recycling Centres take recyclable materials that are not currently included in recycling collections.

This includes asbestos, batteries, cans, cardboard, compuer monitors, fridges, freezers, gas bottles, green waste, non ferrous scrap, oil, paper, rubble, scrap metal, textiles, televisions, tyres and wood.

There are 26 HWRCs in Greater Manchester, including three in Bolton on Blackhorse Street, Blackrod, Raikes Lane, Bolton, and Union Road, Bolton.