A user-friendly recycling facility was launched in Kingston this week, as part of a drive to get people thinking green.

Valpak bins, in which paper, plastic, glass, cans and cartons can be deposited, have been installed in Sainsbury's Sury Basin branch in Richmond Road.

The recycling banks were opened Monday to coincide with the start of Big Recycle week a national campaign to encourage people to be more environmentally aware.

And in another move to cut down waste in the borough Kingston Council has launched a compost bin giveaway to encourage residents to compost biodegradable waste.

There are free compost bins available to the first 1,500 people who register before Friday, July 22.

And residents can learn how to become composting experts at a training day run by London Community Recycling Network on Sunday, July 10.

Councillor Liz Shard, executive member for sustainability and diversity, said the bins would provide a further opportunity for recycling in the borough.

She said: "Everyone has a role in helping to reduce the amount of waste that we produce.

"Recycling everyday items is one way that people can really play their part in reducing waste and initiatives such as this provide an excellent opportunity to do so."

To register for a free compost bin or for more information call 020 8547 5567.