The introduction of purple recycling bins for glass, cans and plastics has been declared a success.

Early indications show recycling is on the up throughout the area according to latest figures from the council.

The results, which cover April and May, show that the amount of recycling collected from households in North Ayrshire has increased by over 300 tonnes compared to the same period last year.

They also show that general waste, collected from residents’ grey bin and which ends up at landfill, has reduced by 550 tonnes during the same period.

Additionally, the amount of food and garden waste recycled in the brown bin has increased by over 560 tonnes. That’s the equivalent weight of 43 double decker buses.

These positive results follow changes to the bin collection service on the mainland and Cumbrae with the introduction of the purple bin in April.

The purple bin provides residents with additional recycling capacity and is used to collect glass, cans, cartons and plastics.

This means that the blue bin is now used for paper, card and cardboard only. These two bins, along with the grey general waste bin, are collected as part of a three-weekly cycle while the brown bin remains on the same fortnightly schedule.

Councillor Jim Montgomerie, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “We’re delighted to see that since the changes to bin collections were introduced, early indications show that recycling is on the up.

“Not just that, but the fact that the amount of waste going to landfill is reducing is great news too. After all, once waste reaches landfill it can stay there for decades releasing toxins and greenhouse gases which are harmful to our environment.

“These hugely positive results are simply due to residents making the most of their recycling bins at home. They show how big an impact the simple task of putting items into the correct bin can have.

“This is a great start, but we must continue to recycle as much as we can in order to have a greater and longer lasting impact.”

For more information on how you can recycle more at home, visit the Council’s website at: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/bins-litter-and-recycling/bins