PEOPLE are being urged to use their plastics wisely... by recycling plastic bottles.

The two main recycling centres in Runcorn and Widnes are now able to offer a service to recycle plastic bottles. Recycling a single bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt bulb for six hours and plastic bottles on average make up 11 per cent of rubbish in household bins.

The new plastic bottle banks are located at Johnsons Lane, Widnes and Picow Farm Road in Runcorn. All domestic bottles can be put into the banks although plastic bags and wrapping can't be put into the containers.

After being sorted and baled the bottles will be recycled and turned into new plastic products to help to reduce the effects of emissions made in the production of new plastic.

Councillor Phil Harris, Halton Council environment chief, said: "People can help us by rinsing and squashing their bottles to reduce smells and transport costs.

"If bottles are squashed to get the air out and then the lid is put back on then we can fit more into the banks."