NEW figures show Manchester could do better when it comes to recycling.
Figures released last week show that there are only 16 bottle banks in Manchester, compared to a massive 162 in Bolton and 105 in Stockport. Throughout Greater Manchester, only Trafford has fewer bottle banks than Manchester.
And the average person in Manchester recycled 2.32 kilograms of glass in the year 2000, compared to people in Bolton who recycled over twice as much glass.
However, people in Manchester still recycled more than twice as much as people from Oldham and Salford.
The figures have been published to launch National Glass Week, where thousands of people will be taking the 'Glass Promise' - pledging to use and recycle as much glass as possible during the week.
Figures from organiser Glasspac shows that the UK recycles 630,000 tonnes of glass each year, saving the equivalent of 1.8 million gallons of oil and the glass industry is now hoping that Mancunians will recycle more glass in 2002 by making glass recycling part of daily life.
Andy Hartley, chairman of Glasspac said: "Every family uses around 500 glass bottles and jars each year and recycles around 30 per-cent of them.
"National Glass Week is designed to remind us that whilst we have come a long way, there is still a lot more we can do to increase recycling further.''
He added: "Recycling glass bottles and jars saves energy, reduces emissions, cuts landfill and reduces quarrying.''
Meanwhile, Manchester City Council has won the backing of leading environmental group ENCAMS for its efforts to clean up the city.
The charity (an amalgam of the former Tidy Britain group and Going for Green) recognised the council's 'tangible commitment' to improving the environment and has promised to support the council's ongoing environment campaign.
Councillor Val Stevens, executive member for planning and the environment said: "We are delighted that our efforts have been recognised and we thank ENCAMS for their acknowledgement of our hard work.
"We believe that nurturing respect for our environment encourages respect for ourselves and each other as residents of Manchester and this sends out a very important message to young people.''