ST HELENS residents have been sharing their opinions on the proposed new recycling system which could be introduced by the council.

On Friday,

the local authority revealed a new multi-box system that could be introduced across the borough following a focused trial in the town centre ward early next year.

The bespoke containers have been designed and produced by specialist manufacturer Coral Products PLC based in Haydock, and could replace the current bag and box system.

The multi-box recycling system is roughly the same size as a normal wheelie bin, with removable trays for separated recycling, and wheels to make the unit movable. The entire unit is made from recycled materials, meaning every component can be recycled again in Haydock to produce further parts.

Some residents expressed positivity over the proposal and also praised the involvement of a local company.

Reacting to the announcement, one Star reader said: "Good to see local companies involved and good to see products being made from recycled materials. It would also make sense to have options for larger /smaller sized trollies as appropriate to household size."

On the Star's Facebook page, Anita Critchley, posted: "I am happy to trial it at the moment we have a blue bag a pink bag a black box a grey box a brown bin and a green bin an all in one recycling box has to be an improvement it’s being trailed so it’s just a prototype and with good feed back it can be tweaked all in all I think it’s a step forward".

Another reader wrote: "While it's good to see a local company involved in this and it's reassuring to know that consideration is being given to improving the recycling services, I have a couple of questions. How heavy are these containers when full? Bags are better to carry weight (thinking paper).

"Also, what about steps? Some of us have to yank one bin up steps; but this looks like it could end up being heavier. Also, storage. "For those of us with small yards, a bulky container like this leaves even less yard available for sitting in. Multiple containers at least can be stacked in a smaller space."

St Helens Star:

The containers to be used in the 'multi-box' system

Meanwhile, some residents expressed reservations over the size of the new containers and questioned their potential durability.

Meanwhile, John Cunliffe said: "Positive - made by a local firm.

"Negative - overall the container appears to be too big. The individual compartments appear a lot smaller than the current ones and don’t appear to be secured against the elements, so would need to be kept indoors. Just have a wheelie bin for all recycling other than food waste and keep that in the caddy.

Ty Armario added: "My only concern would be their durability. The current boxes get thrown around, left, right and centre... Are the collectors seriously going to slide each bin back into place, or even have time to?

"It must be a nightmare trying to solve the problem and please the people... I just doubt this version at the mo".

One reader said: "Still too small to allow longer collection periods. Liverpool, Warrington and Wigan operate with full wheelie bins."

Another added: "They should change to wheelie bins other councils do it with success, how much quicker and cleaner on the streets it would be".