RECYCLING could be set to become a lot more lucrative after Colchester Council bosses announced tentative plans to “pay” residents to be more environmentally friendly.

The early plans are based on the Smart Mobile Waste Transfer scheme already in place in Istanbul.

It would see residents who recycle plastic bottles at automated teller machines - or reverse vending machines - across the town given credits which can then be used for travel on public transport.

Council bosses have instructed officers to investigate how the scheme could be implemented in Colchester.

The move is part of the authority’s drive to cut the amount of plastic being used in Colchester.

Lib Dem councillor David King has spearheaded the initiative.

He said: “It is important that we look at all schemes and ideas and not be afraid to think outside the box towards reducing our plastic waste in Colchester.

“This presents an ideal opportunity to reward those who recycle.”

The move has been backed by Colchester waste boss Martin Goss.

The senior Lib Dem added: “If this will help to cut down the number of plastic bottles that litter our town and cause harm and risk to our wildlife then this can only be great news.

“I have asked council staff to look at the possibilities of implementing a similar scheme as that in Turkey which offers real rewards and incentives to residents for recycling.” Mr Goss added the scheme would be looked at as part of a long-term review of the council’s waste strategy, which is due to be completed next year.

He said: “Obviously there is a lot to do, not least getting the transport companies on board with it.

“I believe it is something which people would want.”

The move is already in place in Istanbul at the behest of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

Machines are being installed in 25 locations across the city and the Turkish authority hopes 100 machines will be in place by the end of the year. Each machine features an electronic interface which can recognise and sort out the discarded waste by crushing it shredding it and storing it.

Credits are then be added to the recycler’s Istanbulkart travel card, akin to London’s Oyster Card.

Mr Goss did not to rule out introducing a Colchester travel card which the credits would be added to but said the exact details on how the scheme would work in Colchester would have to be ironed out.