Maidenhead & Windsor

The Maidenhead Royal Borough is this week doubling up on its ongoing green message as its innovative "recycle while you shop" scheme hits the high street.

From Monday (March 19) a new trial dual-use litterbin has been positioned outside McDonald's in Maidenhead High Street – with one side for litter and the other for selected recyclable items.

Signs on the bin tell people what they can put in the recycling slot – including plastic bottles and cans – while the second slot takes litter.

The bin also has a built-in gum disposal unit and cigarette disposal unit – a timely introduction with the launch of the nationwide smoking ban in July. At the end of the month contractors will begin work on the annual gum removal and pavement washing programme in Maidenhead town centre.

Plans are already in place for more new litterbins across the borough to incorporate cigarette disposal units or stubber plates on them.

Cllr Simon Werner, lead member for Maidenhead public protection said: "I am delighted that we are offering residents and visitors to the town yet another opportunity to recycle and contribute to spreading the borough's environmental message – as well as taking a pride in their surroundings.

"Our residents have really taken to the challenge of recyling their household waste – and hopefully will respond equally enthusiastically to the idea of recycling when they are out and about, shopping in the high street.

"So come on – take all those good recycling habits out with you and help to keep our streets cleaner and more pleasant to walk through for everyone."

The new litter/recycling bin in Maidenhead High Street will be trialled for four to six weeks – depending on its success more bins will be installed across the borough in the coming months.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead