Residents across Lambeth have been asked to recycle their food scraps as part of a pilot project to reduce food waste.

The scheme, to be tested in 8,000 homes, as a move to boost recycling and cut down on waste being sent to landfill.

Homes that are part of the pilot scheme will be given special food caddies and caddy liners to dispose of food waste, such as a fruit and vegetable peelings, meat and fish bones, tea bags, egg shells and plate scrapings.

They will also receive an outside food waste bin that is lockable to keep out animals, from which the council will collect their food waste each week.

Councillor Sally Prentice, cabinet member for environment, said: “Organic waste is a significant source of greenhouse gas when it is sent to landfill, so it's important we take steps to reduce the amount of food we throw away and compost it instead.”

The council is having to increase its recycling rates ahead of heavy financial penalties being brought in by the Government over the next few years to stop excess landfill waste.

• Find out about more local green groups at greenguardian.co.uk