A new initiative has launched in Richmond to get people to cut down the amount of rubbish they throw away.

Dubbed the Rubbish Diet, the scheme aims to highlight how much recyclable waste goes to landfill sites and how cutting down what is thrown away can help save money and the environment.

In Richmond, enough rubbish is produced each year to fill Twickenham stadium and if all residents sign up to the initiative, the amount could be cut in half.

Councillor Pamela Fleming, cabinet member for environment, said: "Richmond has a good record of recycling but there is still too much paper, plastic and food going into our rubbish bins.

"Every tonne of waste costs £80 in landfill tax so if we all make that extra effort to recycle more it saves money and helps the environment."

MP Zac Goldsmith has also pledged his support to the Rubbish Diet.

Colin Cooper from South West London Environment Network, said: "The Rubbish Diet has great tips on reducing food waste, like reorganising your fridge so things that need to be used are visible and popping a bit of kitchen towel in your salad bag to keep it fresh."

For more information, visit therubbishdiet.org.uk.