NEWPORT residents are helping the city lead the way in the recycling stakes.

A new survey shows an increasing number of households are taking part in the kerbside collection recycling service.

Out of 6,759 residents surveyed, 81 per cent said they used the service each week.

During the survey the team had 1,140 requests for new and additional recycling boxes and a further 828 householders requested extra boxes with a Freepost return card.

The scheme involves putting recyclable waste in green and blue boxes collected weekly by Wastesavers.

A team of eight from Wastesavers visited 22,000 households over six weeks to discuss the scheme, which is run in partnership with Newport city council, and spoke to 6,759 residents.

They found only 811 people had never used the service, with 17 per cent of those saying they could not be bothered.

The team discovered women were more likely to recycle regularly, with 80 per cent using the service every week compared to 75 per cent of men. They visited 21 areas where they thought participation was low, and went from door to door to speak to residents.

The aim of the campaign, which began in July, was to raise awareness about recycling services.

The canvassers were keen to stress that, as well as bottles, tins and glass, items such as mobile phones, cartridges and junk mail could also be recycled.

Co-ordinator Paul Jones said: "We aim to provide our service to everyone in Newport. We understand that occasionally boxes may be damaged, stolen, or misplaced; if this is the case give us a call and we'll deliver new ones."

Malcolm Lane, environmental manager for Newport council, said: "Speaking to residents face to face is one of the best ways to promote recycling and address any queries or questions." Wastesavers communication officer Jessica Caines said: "It's fantastic to see such positive attitudes towards recycling, it shows that the people of Newport really care."

He also said those who have difficulty lifting the boxes due to a disability or physical impairment can ring Wastesavers on 01633 281281 to ask for assistance.