The scheme will be introduced to stores served by Nisa-Today's Stoke depot from next month and the firm would like to offer it to all members.

Nisa has 765 retail members that operate more than 5,000 stores, including branches of Costcutter, Tuffins and Mills.

Nisa distribution director Jonathan Stowe said the feedback from stores had been excellent.

"It is our intention to eventually offer this service to all Nisa members, which will significantly benefit both members and the environment," said Stowe.

Nisa said 1,736 cages of waste had been collected in a three week period from the the 155 stores involved in the initial scheme.

Vim Odedra runs a Nisa Local in Hayes, Middlesex. He said: "It is clear that customers really appreciate stores that are kind to the environment and they were pleased to hear we were participating in the initiative."