Manchester wants to become Britain’s recycling capital, with a bold three-year plan to revamp its waste services.

A massive public consultation revealed that nine out of 10 residents said they wanted to recycle, and 55% were prepared to make an effort to do so.

As a result, the city’s community and neighbourhoods overview and scrutiny committee this week agreed a dozen new initiatives to go before the council’s executive next week. These include kerbside collection services for paper, cardboard, drinks cartons, glass, plastic bottles, cans, food, clothing, textiles and shoes for all residents.

Where possible, all would be collected at the same time. In addition, a garden waste service would be extended to include food, and a subsidy offered to residents who use real nappies to reflect the savings achieved on landfill.

There would also be street recycling bins provided in consultation with businesses and residents, and free business recycling in the city centre.

 The new strategy is likely to costs almost £3.8M to set up, but Mike Reardon, strategic director of neighbourhood services, said it was hoped the scheme would be revenue-neutral by achieving high levels of resident participation and materials capture rates, which save on landfill costs. He added: ‘Residents have generally welcomed the consultation and canvassers reported positive feedback from residents.’