HOUSEHOLDERS who fail to recycle their waste could be fined under new council plans.

Residents in Bolton would be encouraged to report neighbours who throw away items they could have recycled.

The scheme was revealed at a special meeting of Bolton councillors called to discuss the reintroduction of weekly bin rounds.

The fines could be handed out as soon as next year. Councillors expect the Government to introduce the necessary legislation.

But is not yet known how much the fines would be. Councillors believe the fines will be necessary to keep householders recycling.

They admit the weekly emptying of wheelie bins instead of the present fortnightly collections would result in a drop in recycling rates.