Powys residents are being reminded to keep scrap metal out of their red recycling boxes after items caused damage to collection vehicles.

Powys County Council’s highways, transport and recycling service said recent incidents have taken vehicles out of action after screws, bolts, drill bits and other metal items were placed in recycling boxes.

The council warned these objects can become lodged in lifting equipment, leading to damage and disruption to collections.

It says only items such as clean food and drink cans, aluminium foil and trays, and metal bottle tops and jar lids should be placed in red boxes. Scrap items such as wire coat hangers, keys and loose metal should be taken to local recycling centres.