MERSEYSIDE households are wasting away far more efficiently according to latest statistics.

The amount of waste being produced per household in the region has dropped by 29 kilogrammes (almost 64 pounds) compared to last year.

Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority's annual plan for 2013 also indicates that the region's household waste recycling centres are performing better than ever.

At the same time Merseyside’s pooled recycling rate has stalled with a slight decrease of 0.7%.

Carl Beer, the authority's chief executive, observed: "While it’s impossible to say why the figures are what they are I think we can look at particular national issues to spot trends.

"For instance the recession means that people are buying less which generally means less waste to recycle.

"There have also been moves by government and producers to reduce packaging and introduce refillable containers – items which are traditionally collected for recycling."

MRWA is spearheading several initiatives to end the waste of around 22,000 tonnes of clothing and textiles ending up in landfill across the region. The disposal cost is around £1.58m.

The Merseyside Textile Forum has been established for stakeholders who currently collect textiles.

All of Merseyside's district councils and the national Waste and Resources Action Programme have backed the initiative.

Its principal aim is to identify and support ways to increase the recycling and reuse of textiles.

The award-winning project will look at current collection methods and markets for reuse and recycling for textile and clothes of all quality grades.