The Isle of Wight's rubbish collections are getting greener, thanks to a £1.4 million investment in environmentally friendly refuse lorries.

Boasting enhanced engine efficiency and greater safety for pedestrians and other road users, the seven vehicles have been bought by the Isle of Wight Council and its waste contractor, Amey.

Each lorry is fitted with quieter bin lift technology and enhanced safety systems, including flashing warning signs and an audio warning before the vehicle turns left.

They also come equipped with CCTV cameras and a system which alerts the driver to any objects that cross the vehicle's path when reversing.

The fleet will work alongside the existing Mercedes recycling collection lorries which entered service in 2016.

Food waste is sent to a specialist plant where it is used to generate electricity and produce nutrient rich farmland fertiliser.

Cllr Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for the environment and waste services, said: "Our hardworking crews do a great job as part of our effort to keep the Island's streets clean.

"But they need the best tools possible in order to do this — the refresh of our fleet will improve the reliability of the collection rounds, while at the same time helping towards our wider environmental ambitions.

"As a council we are always looking for ways to improve the services we offer to our residents.

"One of these is a provision to be able to collect batteries and small electrical items; we would be interested to know if the public would welcome this as part of the waste collection service.”

Food waste is sent to a specialist plant where it is used to generate electricity and produce nutrient rich farmland fertiliser.

Indoor and outdoor food caddies are available for free to households, to request one call (01983) 823777 or order one online at www.iwight.com/waste

The vehicles began service this week ahead of the festive season.

Unlike recent years, there are no changes to household collections over Christmas due to Christmas Day falling on a weekend.

Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh recycling centres will close on Christmas Day only and will otherwise be open as normal.

Between Monday, December 20, and Friday, January 14, residents can leave excess polystyrene out in clear or white sacks only next to their black bin or gull sack.