The introduction of doorstep collections of cardboard and plastic bottles this autumn will give Richmond upon Thames one of the most comprehensive, separated, recycling collection services in the country.

The council is set to bring in the new service from November, allowing residents to recycle even more of their household waste with minimum effort.

They will be able to leave out plastic bottles and cardboard alongside glass, paper, tins, cans, clothes and shoes, while also continuing to recycle their food and garden waste. When the changes take effect, few other boroughs will collect such a wide range of ready-separated materials from doorsteps.

The council is also working to expand and improve recycling facilities in flats, with 34 blocks currently taking part in a six-month pilot scheme recycling plastic bottles and cardboard. Councillor Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said: "We are committed to making our borough the most sustainable in London and increasing the recycling rate from 30 towards 40 per cent over the next three years is a key target.

"The introduction of plastic bottle and cardboard collections will provide a timely boost but we are also keen to keep raising awareness of the recycling message.

"Around half our residents still don't regularly recycle. As the Government brings in ever higher landfill taxes, failing to do so will prove a huge drain on taxpayers' money and the environment.

"So I urge everyone to reduce the amount of waste they produce and make the most of your doorstep collections."

For more information on recycling call 08456 122 660 or visit richmond.gov.uk/rubbish_waste_and_recycling.