IN RESPONSE to J Reed (Load of rubbish, Jan 14) I would like to point out that, in most cases, if residents are using all of the recycling facilities available to them then there should be very little left to go into their black wheelie bins.

Unfortunately, we know that currently only around three-quarters of residents actually put out their recycling boxes every single week, while less than half put out their food waste out every week.

Reducing the amount of general waste collected at the kerbside is a proven way to encourage residents to make greater use of recycling facilities.

Monmouthshire council immediately increased its recycling rates from 58 per cent to 66 per cent when it reduced the amount of general waste it collected at the kerbside.

Furthermore, we have road tested the smaller bin system with a number of families, including a family of five with three small children, two still in nappies.

Taking into account the nappy service we will introduce alongside the smaller bins, they found no problems operating under the new system.

If any residents feel that they will be unable to manage under the new system, then I would encourage them to contact us to arrange a home visit to see how we can assist.

Cllr John Cunningham, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, Torfaen County Borough Council