Four new solar-powered bins have been installed in Merton, following the success of the devices in the borough's parks.

The new "smart" bins use solar energy to compact rubbish and send a signal to Merton Council's street cleaning teams letting them know when it is full.

The new bins are in Rookwood Avenue in West Barnes, The Chase in Wimbledon and Tramway Path and Northborough Road, both in Mitcham.

Councillor Judy Saunders, Merton Council cabinet member for environmental cleanliness, said: “These bins will mean that our street cleaning team will know exactly when to go and empty them so they won’t have to waste time travelling to the bins only to find that they do not need emptying.

"They can then focus much more on areas that need to be cleaned more.

"We are committed to keeping the streets clean, leaving no excuses for people to drop litter on our streets, and these bins are all part of our anti-litter campaign.”