Smart bins help you recycle on go

RECYCLING units like this one will appear in the town centre over the coming weeks

NEW litter bins designed to boost recycling are set to be introduced in the town centre next month.

Over the coming weeks Oldham Council will replace bins in the pedestrianised area of the town centre with 15 innovative recycling units.

The new bins aim to encourage residents to "recycle on the go" with each bin containing separate slots for cans, glass, plastic bottles and general waste.

Currently around 200 street litter bins are emptied daily, in some instances several times per day in Oldham town centre, with recyclables mixed in with general waste.

Once collected from the current bins, there is no opportunity to sift and sort the contents before it is taken for disposal, limiting recycling.

Cllr Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: "Large amounts of waste are disposed of away from home when people shop, travel or visit the town centre.

"The most common waste is paper, along with bottles and cans - most of which can be recycled.

"These new litter bins encourage people to recycle just like they would do at home.

"We all have a responsibility to keep the town centre clean and litter-free but we also need to up our recycling rates, which will also save money.

"With money tight due to cuts in government funding it is important we all do our bit and recycling our waste is something we can all do."

The bin pilot scheme, which will start in September, encourages people to go green, recycle responsibly and save the council and tax payers' money.

Each year Oldham Council collects about 5,000 tonnes of waste from street bins, streets and public areas, costing nearly £200,000.

It is estimated the new bins could save up to £18,000 a year.