The government wants 25% of all waste to be recycled

The unit, at a supermarket in Winchester, Hampshire, sorts rubbish with infrared spectroscopes and cameras and crushes waste to maximise space.

Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "Nine out of 10 people say they would recycle if it was made easier.

"The new facility will attract a new generation of recyclers and encourage those who already do to recycle more."

At the moment, only 16% of Winchester's household waste is recycled.

If the trial is a success, the bins could be rolled out across the country.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that between 1996/1997 and 2002/2003 recycling in England almost doubled from 7.5% to 14.5%.

The Government expects the 2003/4 national goal of recycling and composting 17% of total household waste will be met - the first time such a target will ever have been achieved.

A more ambitious national target of recycling and composting 25% of total household waste has been set for 2005/6.