STAFF at a Petersfield pub are encouraging more restaurants and pubs in town to recycle more of their bottles and glass.

Manager of the Red Lion Christos Kaoukis is urging people to follow his example and make sure the major wastage of glass from pubs and restaurants is recycled.

In a survey of 200 people from Petersfield, Liphook, Liss, Farnham, Rowlands Castle and Haslemere, Mr Kaoukis found that 100 per cent were concerned about environmental threats. These included land, air and water pollution.

He said: "Our local community council is certainly keeping up with its environmental responsibility.

"The bottle banks situated all around town, especially in major car parks, are a sign of care – not only by the council but also by the community's response."

He added: "But what is absolutely sad and unacceptable is that the major source of glass wastage – pubs and restaurants – do nothing about their wastage."

He pointed out that the only bottles he can send back to brewers are the bottles that the brewer produces itself and not from any other brand.

East Hampshire District Council's Local Agenda 21 coordinator Guy Riddock said the district council had no responsibility to collect trade waste.

Dealing with glass waste was more difficult than dealing with other types, such as paper waste.

But he said that, as part of Project Integra, the district council encouraged and supported recycling schemes for all trade waste.

Staff at the Red Lion are aiming to recycle around 12 tons of glass in 12 months and are hoping staff from other pubs and restaurants will be prepared to do the same.

Mr Kaoukis said: "The Red Lion has a genuine concern for the environment and, within the confines of a commercial operation, is committed to minimising the impacts of its operation on the environment."

The Red Lion manager is urging Petersfield pubs and restaurants to set up their own glass recycling operations or consider a working partnership with other pubs and the council to come up with a new recycling system.

Anyone interested in discussing plans for a new glass recycling system can contact Mr Kaoukis by email at [email protected]">[email protected]