Where we are, the council (West Dunbartonshire) have given us a blue bin for things such as newspapers, magazines and plastic bottles, all for recycling.

What you say about cardboard and similar items is quite interesting though, becuase the council will not accept cardboard and the like.

We have also recently been given a brown bin for garden waste, so I can see that making a nice composting bin.......
I hear they are going to be giving us another one for something(I can't remember off hand) too.
And here, I didn't think West Dunbartinshire had the money!! (we are one of the poorest in Scotland).

An interesting thread anyway.

We recycle all our glass and things ourselves locally.