A succesful recycling scheme in Fulham could be adopted in neighbouring Wandsworth if an MP gets his way.

Tooting MP Sadiq Khan has written to Wandsworth Council to urge them to adopt a scheme which could increase recycling rates around blocks of flats by up to 98 per cent.

The project, which has been a huge success in Hammersmith and Fulham, saw nearly all flat residents recycle after recycling chutes, mini-recycling stations and doorstep collections were put in place.

It also made the surrounding areas look cleaner and tidier.

Mr Khan is now trying to get a similar scheme adopted in Tooting.

He said: “Wandsworth Council has thousands of properties in blocks around the borough where residents would like to recycle more, but they need more help.

"Small common sense ideas like these can clearly make the world of difference. I hope the council will adopt these measures to enable people to do so.”

At present flats in Tooting have outdoor communal recycling bins, but recycling has to be posted through a small flap due to problems with animals getting into them.

A spokesman from Wandsworth Council said: "The council was aware of the reports of the success of this recycling scheme.

"It had already called on the various groups and agencies involved to provide us with some more information so that we can evaluate it and see if there are any lessons we can learn from it.

"The council already provides a number of simple and convenient recycling options for residents in high rise blocks which have so far proved very successful.

"However, we are always keen on hearing about new intiatives to improve services which is why we are already looking into this scheme."

• For more environmental news, log on to greenguardian.co.uk