Doorstep collections of waster paper will soon start in Coventry on a trial basis to help the council meet strict targets to increase recycling.

A trial composting scheme has already been launched to encourage people to re-use organic waste.

Now 5,000 people are to be asked to take part in the paper collection trial.

Magazines, newspapers and cardboard will be taken from people’s doorstep and taken straight to a recycling plant in Birmingham run by Kappa Paper, which has 200 paper banks across the city.

People taking in the pilot scheme, which will start in October, will be give a specially-designed waterproof and recycled cardboard box in which they can store their paper.

The collections will take place every fortnight, and the paper will be picked up by Coventry Contract Services.

Cllr John McNicholas, cabinet member (Environmental Services), who approved the scheme, said:

“Coventry residents already outshine a number of other cities with their commitment to recycling their bottles and cans when they do their weekly shop.

“In today’s throw-away society, I believe we need to make recycling as east as possible for people.

”Good intentions and busy lifestyles take their toll on actually doing something to help sustain our somewhat vulnerable environment.

”I am keen that we offer more doorstep collection schemes like this one to help people do their bit for the environment.”

Cllr McNicholas added that the areas to take part in the pilot scheme had not yet been chosen, but he said they would be different from those in the composting project.