RESIDENTS who recycle regularly could be rewarded with Nectar points, according to Colchester’s waste boss.

Martin Hunt said as well as having the power to punish residents who do not recycle by fining them, he also wanted to be able to reward those who already do.

“While it is important for me to have the power to issue the fixed penalty notices, we need to find a way where people who already recycle are rewarded,” said Mr Hunt, borough councillor responsible for waste.

“So at the moment, we are looking at using a Nectar point-style system for people who are recycling as an incentive.

“There are a lot of people in Colchester who are already doing the right things and that is why it is such a difficult decision to focus on people who are not.”

It is understood Colchester Council is also in talks with Tesco Clubcard and green group Recyclebank.