The new recycling scheme in Potters Bar begins on Monday, with residents being asked to use four different types of bin for their waste and recyclable materials.

Every home in the town now has a black wheeled bin, a green or brown wheeled bin, a blue recycling box and an additional black box, which forms the centre point of the new scheme.

Both black containers will be collected together weekly, with the green or brown bin and blue box collected the next week. Hertsmere Borough Council has introduced the new scheme to make waste management as easy as ABC'.

Councillor Jean Heywood, portfolio holder for environment, said: "Every household has received an information pack with new black recycling box, which included a leaflet and collections calendar so everyone will know which box or bin is being collected when.

"I know that residents may be apprehensive about this scheme, but additional bin collections have been introduced by more than 90 authorities, and has been shown to increase recycling rates."

Steve Burton, head of waste management, said: "Our previous collections scheme saw three separate collections of refuse and recyclables, which was confusing for residents and resulted in missed bins. The new scheme gives households a set collection day."

Call 020 8207 7454 or email abc@hertsmere.gov.uk for more details.