A new recycling initiative being rolled out across Breckland district aims to reduce the amount of rubbish being taken to landfill sites.

After a successful trial at Thetford, eight new barrows have been bought for cleaning teams across the district, which also covers the towns of Dereham, Swaffham, Watton, Attleborough as well as dozens of villages.

With two separate compartments, the barrows will enable crews to separate recyclable items from those destined for landfill sites.

Steven Hitchman, Serco street cleansing supervisor said: 'The Street Cleansing Team recognised that lots of rubbish we collect is recyclable. We started a trial to see what was collected and were amazed at the findings. Serco and Breckland looked into what we could do to improve the situation and, by using these new barrows, we believe we can make a real difference in reducing what goes to landfill, whilst also boosting recycling.'

Lynda Turner, Breckland Council's executive member for localism, communities and environmental services – seen here with team members – said: 'We anticipate that this initiative could reduce waste taken to landfill by as much as 24 tonnes a year.

'Residents can also play their part in helping to reduce landfill. If you're out and about and have litter to dispose of, look out for on-street recycling facilities or, if these are not available, take recyclable waste home to put in the appropriate bin.

Dereham-based Breckland's contractor, Serco, has reorganised some of its operations to accommodate the initiative at no extra cost to the council.