BOLTON'S new Rethink Rubbish campaign was given the backing of Wanderers stars when they teamed up with councillors to urge residents to "Drop before you shop".

Footballers Anthony Barness, Jeff Smith and David Niven, part of the Wanderers squad battling to stay in the Premiership, encouraged shoppers to recycle used goods at local supermarkets.

They want people to drop off paper, cans, bottles and textiles at supermarket recycling banks before they complete their regular shopping trips.

Barness said: "We can all make a big difference if we learn to recycle just a little."

The Drop Before You Shop initiative was launched as new research revealed that only 38 per cent of local residents were committed to recycling.

There are now 18 recycling banks in Bolton which can be filled with paper, cans, bottles and jars.

Councillor Guy Harkin, Bolton Council's executive member for the environment, said: "Of the 6,336 tonnes of rubbish recycled in Bolton last year, only 22pc was collected at the recycling sites.

"There is a huge potential for more people to use these facilities.

"Taking recyclable paper, glass and cans with you when you go to the supermarket will save a separate journey.

"By recycling these items, you can reduce the amount of rubbish you throw away by a third."

Dave Holland, manager at the Safeway store in Bury Road, Bolton, where the launch of the campaign was held, said: "One of the most common reasons given by people who do not recycle is that it's inconvenient to make a special journey.

"This campaign will highlight how easy it is to add recycling to your shopping list and drop off rubbish that can be recycled at your local supermarket."