TALKING litter bins have been introduced into schools in Middlesbrough to encourage children to dispose of rubbish properly.
West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust has bought five bins - costing £2,030 - to raise awareness of litter and its impact on the environment.
The penguin and teddy bear-shaped bins have been installed at Archibald Primary School, Newport Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary School and Whinney Banks Primary School.
They have a voice- activated box, which says thank you when children put the litter in the bins.
Edna Donnelly, of the trust, said: "Simple projects like this often prove to be very effective.
"By using a light-hearted way of encouraging children to keep their neighbourhood tidy at an early age, we aim to make sure that they grow up to be responsible adults that care for their environment.
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