CHESHIRE has a new target to recycle more than half of household waste by 2020.

It follows a consultation which asked members of the public how the county should deal with its ever-increasing mountains of residual household waste.

Cheshire already has a 40% recycling target by 2010, which is supported by a £10m investment to improve recycling at the kerbside and at household waste recycling centre.

Cheshire Waste Partnership, which comprises the county and six district councils, is now aiming for a 50%-plus recycling rate by 2020 after the consultation showed many respondents supported a higher target.

The two-month consultation asked people their views on alternatives to landfill for dealing with the waste which remains after as much as possible has been recycled or composted.

Of the 9,144 questionnaires returned, 84% of respondents agreed with the preferred approach of the Cheshire Waste Partnership. This involves maximising recycling at the kerbside and Household Waste Recycling Centres, reducing waste growth and using a mechanical biological treatment facility, which would pre-treat the remaining waste to produce a solid fuel which would then be used to produce heat and electricity.

Chester City Councillor Rob Jordan, speaking on behalf of the Cheshire Waste Partner-ship, said: 'We would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation.

'We are pleased that the part-nership's proposals have met with such a clear favourable response from the public.

'We have already taken on board requests to increase our recycling targets and will be using the consultation response to help us make a properly informed decision on the way forward for the treatment of Cheshire's waste.'