'Chip and bin' latest weapon in waste war

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The "chip and bin" is the latest hi-tech measure to try to cut household waste.

Campaigners believe it can help councils identify how rubbish is being thrown away within different regions and even encourage people to recycle.

The new technology uses electronic chips which are carefully hidden under the moulded front lip of wheelie bins, according to Michael Warhurst, of environment group Friends of the Earth.

The chip is read when the bin is collected and lifted on to the refuse truck.

Special collection trucks are fitted with antennas that read the serial number on the chip which matches up to a specific property.

The weight of the rubbish could be recorded and stored.

Mr Warhurst said: "The chip is basically the same as painting a large number on the side of a bin so you can identify who it has come from.

"And overall it is like someone going around and reading the meter, which is what we do for every other utility."