An extra 2,500 homes in Broadland will receive a food waste collection service from this Friday.

Broadland District Council started up separate food waste collections in 2008 and more than 9,500 tonnes have since been recycled.

John Fisher, portfolio holder for environmental excellence, said: 'The current scheme already diverts about 1,500 tonnes of food waste a year from landfill which contributes to our residents recycling more than 50pc of all household waste they produce.

'The waste is taken to a special processing plant in Edgefield and is processed under strict conditions to provide valuable compost for local farmers.'

A leaflet explaining the food recycling service was delivered last week to the 2,500 new households which will receive the collection.

The homes which will be newly covered by the scheme are spread all across the district.