A cleaner, brighter and more exciting look for recycling will be launched at this year's CIWM conference in Torbay.

The new rescape recycling banks have been pioneered by the UK's leading Producer Responsibility scheme, Valpak, together with SMF International Ltd and Taylor.

The rescape centres have been designed to try and overcome common problems associated with recycling sites, such as unsightly containers, lack of information and unrestricted material overflow.

The family of banks can be custom built and come in a range of different colours. There is the option for built-in lighting, and they also offer protection from the elements. Their lockable doors enclose conventional containers, built by Taylor, so that customers are met with a clean, bright façade through which they can deposit their materials for recycling. The centres ensure simple functionality for the public and safe practical operation for collectors.

The centres also include information boards, offering the opportunity to communicate recycling information to the public. Alternatively they could carry advertising messages and provide an opportunity for revenue generation.

"The rescape centres aim to change the recycling landscape by making recycling more user-friendly for the both the public and the operators," explained Valpak Head of Business Development Andy McCaffery.

"Historically, recycling centres have had an image of being scruffy, ill-lit and unappealing. By designing them to become part of the everyday built environment they become far more appealing and inviting for the public to use, so helping to increase recycling rates. We are confident that the rescape centres will change people's views of recycling!"

Research has shown the rescape recycling centres have helped increase recycling rates by up to 50% at locations where they have been installed. Valpak is targeting the centres primarily at Local Authorities, but also at any other businesses who are considering restructuring or introducing recycling facilities.

The development of the rescape centres is part of Valpak's commitment to increasing recycling rates within the UK. The UK recycling market needs to grow by just under one million tonnes by 2008. As packaging recycling and recovery targets rise, it is vital that the UK extracts more material from the waste stream to ensure compliance with these targets in years to come.