Red boxes are starting to appear in Rugby as a kerbside collection scheme is expanded in the borough.

Homes in Brownsover will be among the first of 28,000 to receive the boxes to store their old newspaper for recycling.

The scheme will be expanded over the next few months, and Rugby Borough Council is hoping to eventually include every household.

Exact instructions on their use will be delivered to houses along with the boxes.

Generally they will be emptied fortnightly on the same day as the wheeled bins.

All newspapers, magazines, catalogues and white telephone directories can be put in the boxes, but card, cardboard, and Yellow Pages cannot.

People without the red boxes are being reminded that they can still recycle paper, along with textiles, glass, cans and plastics at recycling centres across the borough.

The boxes are being introduced to try and increase the amount of household waste recycled in the town.

Last year only 4.5 per cent was collected, compared to a national average of nine per cent. It is hoped that this scheme will increase the proportion to 11 per cent.

Cllr Chris Holman, portfolio holder for Housing and Environment, said:

“Expanding the door-to-door collection of newspapers and magazines is just the first step we’re taking to prove Rugby’s commitment to recycling and the environment.

“I really urge people to support the scheme as it can only be a success with their help.”

©1995-2000 Coventry Internet Developments Ltd