PLEASE can someone with good knowledge of the subject, tell us what "kerbside" systems for recycling exist, and how successful they are?

The present green bins are: too small; have to hold metal and plastic; not all types of cans are accepted; are open to the elements; have no lids so any passer-by can see what (and how much) a family has consumed; are very light, and when empty can blow across pavements and roads causing hazards for pedestrians and drivers, consequent loss to the household (and council), and loss of interest in recycling. The system is not borough-wide.

I feel that a lot more thought needs to be given to the subject, so that a properly financed, easy to use scheme can operate.

Please could it include cardboard, polythene, all plastics, all bottles and cans, textiles, shoes, all kinds of paper and waste such as disposable nappies? Could vegetable food waste be collected from those who don't have gardens? Meat and fish waste, and anything else that can't be recycled could then remain as a weekly collection, bearing in mind the public health issues raised by J M Lowe (Bolton Evening News, March 19).

Supermarket recycling banks (March 20) are a start, and are well used, but we need to extend a full recycling service to every household in Bolton as soon as possible.

Margaret J Gilmour

Sutherland Road

Heaton