Authorities say recycling collections are already reducing contamination levels across the area, after just one month into a new scheme. Middlesbrough residents are now required to separate paper and cardboard from other recyclables - and the council say that most are embracing the changes. The presence of incorrect items in recycling bins has dropped since the introduction of red-lid bins and clear red sacks for paper and cardboard. On social media, Middlesbrough Council said: "It's been a month of paper and cardboard collections and, thanks to your efforts, contamination levels (putting the wrong items into your bins) are down across Middlesbrough. Reducing contamination is vital for improving recycling rates, as cleaner waste is more likely to be successfully processed rather than discarded.