BIN BOSSES in Southampton have expressed their "delighted" with the results of a new scheme to boost recycling in the city.

Almost four tonnes of extra plastic - equivalent to 12 lorry loads – has been recycled since the introduction of ten new plastic recycling banks across Southampton in January.

The bins collect plastic such as yoghurt pots, ice cream and margarine tubs, fruit punnets and meat trays, which are currently not accepted in kerbside collections in Southampton.

City council cabinet member for transport and environment, Jacqui Rayment, said: "I'm delighted that the policy of plastic banks is working so well and residents in Southampton have responded and used them."

The 10 new bins, set to be in place for two years, are the size of two textiles banks.

They have been placed in existing bin bank areas, including Angel Crescent car park, in Bitterne, Canon Street in Shirley and Oakbank car park, in Woolston. (See the full list below)

The bins have been introduced to improve the city's recycling rate, currently around 32 per cent, by allowing people to recycle more plastics.

Bin bosses say plastics such as yoghurt pots and margarine tubs cannot be accepted in kerbside collections without a "significant investment" in new equipment at its recycling centres.

Earlier this year, the Echo revealed that civic chiefs were discussing the possibility of a new £20 million “super” recycling centre for Hampshire.

The Echo understands civic leaders are targeting land in the borough of Eastleigh to host a centralised waste disposal centre – known as a materials recovery facility (MRF).

Civic chiefs say the all-in-one facility could help reduce the cost of waste disposal across Hampshire and boost the county’s poor recycling rates.

It could also allow residents across Hampshire to recycle materials such as yoghurt pots, meat trays and possibly even glass as part of their kerbside collections.

They are located at:

l Angel Crescent car park, Bitterne (2)

l Woodmill car park (2)

l Canon Street, Shirley (2)

l Westridge Road car park, Portswood

l Green Park car park, Millbrook

l 5 acres/Rugby club car park, Redbridge Lane, Lordshill

l Oakbank car park, Woolston