RESIDENTS who go green and recycle their rubbish could be rewarded with cash prizes.

Southend Council has revealed it is looking at offering people who keep on top of recycling their waste up to £1,000.

Next month, households will get light green bin bags for food waste and the council hopes that by offering cash prizes, people will be committed to doing their bit for the environment.

Those signed up for the scheme will be monitored by the council to make sure they are actually recycling their rubbish.

Southend Council’s team leader for waste management, Imran Kazalbash said: “The council has been working with its waste contractor, Cory Environmental, to explore incentives to residents to recycle more and improve participation.

“The proposal, which is part of a long term funded communication plan, is to ask residents to make a pledge either online or by post, to recycle.

“Once pledges have been received within the deadline, properties that have been selected randomly will be monitored to ensure they are fully participating in the recycling schemes for a chance to win cash prizes of up to £1,000.”

The council is expected to roll out the scheme in late summer.