Swansea Council has challenged householders to go a week without using their refuse collection in a bid to encourage recycling and reduce waste.

It is hoped that the initiative, which runs throughout August, will take steps to increase the borough’s recycling rate – currently just above 45 per cent - in line with the Welsh Government’s 2013 recycling target of 52 per cent.

Trish Flint, Swansea Council's Recycling Officer, explained more about the motives behind the challenge: "The idea is for families to think about the waste they put into black bags and to see if they can reduce it by using alternative ways to dispose of household waste such as kerbside recycling. As well as recycling, we want residents to think about the goods they buy and about the packaging included."

Swansea Council are asking all residents who take part to keep a record of each item they put in their black bags, and document the weight of any waste they collect throughout the week, recyclable or otherwise.

"By taking a close look at the quantity of waste they produce and individual items they put in their black bags families can think about whether they needed the items in the first place or whether they can actually be re-used or recycled", Flint added.

The council are offering cash prizes of between £50 and £100 to five participating households. Nigel Doyle, from Penclawdd, is one of the residents hoping to take part: "My wife and I have recycled our household waste for as long as there has been a collection service. We've got it down to a fine art now and we rarely put out more than one full black bag every four weeks. I hope other residents will give the challenge a go and help our local environment."

June Burtonshaw, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for place, agreed: "We need residents to do all they can to help reduce the level of waste currently sent to landfill. The kerbside recycling services provide residents with a much better way to dispose of household waste."

The council are asking any local residents who are interested in the scheme to call 01792 635 600 or email recycling@swansea.gov.uk to request an information pack.