Between February and June this year, the centre increased its recycling rate from 63% to 72%, making it the centre with the best recycling rate in Northants.

The centre was previously presented with an award in March this year, for having the highest recycling during the previous period.

Cllr Ben Smith, Northants County Council's cabinet member for the environment and growth, presented the new award to site manager Dave Rideout and area manager Roger Brown on September 1.

He said: "I would like to congratulate everyone at the Towcester waste recycling centre for all their excellent work in increasing their recycling rates."

He added: "All the county council's household waste recycling centres should be praised for not only raising the standards, but encouraging recycling throughout the county."

Recycling rates at household recycling centres around the county are expected to increase further after 'dirty wood recycling' was introduced in July.

'Dirty wood' includes items such as MDF and chipboard, which can be recycled as animal bedding, compost or fertiliser.

Other items which can be recycled at Towcester centre include cans, car batteries, cardboard, scrap metals, mobile 'phones and timber.