Sir.-On a recent "green bin day", although mine was full, I forgot to put it out in time.

For the next two weeks, I filled two bin bags with items for recycling (mainly paper and tins).

On the day of the next green bin collection, I put the full bin out and put the two full bags on top of it.

When the bin man came, he picked up the two bags and placed them both in a nearby black bin - so our two weeks of sorting out items for recycling was a complete waste of time.

It would appear it is not just the householders who need educating.

-Name and address withheld

Sir.-I wish to share my views on unsightly rubbish and recycling bins.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to have a campaign to remind people that the directive to put bins ready at the appropriate collection point by 7am on "bin day" means wheeling them out the night before or that particular morning.

It was not intended that the bins should stay in that position, day in and day out.

They are supposed to be kept on the householder's premises and not scattered around the place.

Every bin should have the house number painted on it and any stray bins can then be returned to the rightful owner for proper storage.

I feel any unclaimed bins should be "culled" and recycled for distribution to those waiting for a replacement.

If people thought they were likely to lose their bin, I believe they would be more thoughtful about leaving it beside someone else's property.

I take my newspapers etc to the communal bin, a short walk away, and do not have a personal one.

I would rather have flowers in my garden.

-Name and address supplied