Cherwell District Council found less than half of households were using new blue bins meant for old newspapers and magazines.

Two of the worst offending areas are Banbury and Bicester, where only 38% of people recycle their used newspapers.

Councillor Norman Bolster said: "Every tonne of waste that we collect for recycling is one tonne less that has to go to landfill.

"We need the residents help achieve our recycling targets and help the environment."