SEVEN tonnes of food waste a week is being collected as part of a recycling trial - but is being dumped in landfill anyway.

Nearly 6,000 households across Southend were chosen at random to take part in the food waste recycling scheme, and were given a plastic caddy which is emptied weekly.

The trial, which ends on December 21, has resulted in an average of seven tonnes of food a week being collected. The findings will be used to decide whether to go ahead with a full composting service across the borough.

Ian Robertson, councillor responsible for waste, said: "The reason (the food is being put in landfill) is there isn't enough to make it cost effective. But once we know the trial results, deliveries will go in a different direction.

"We are not sure what will be decided yet, but with Essex County Council we are developing a composting system which will produce methane gas which can be used for engines to produce green energy."

A questionnaire has been sent to participants in the trial, to determine if it is worth extending. The deadline for returns is November 9, with a decision expected in early January.

It is estimated about 6.7 million tonnes of household food across the UK is sent to landfill each year.

Meanwhile, the council has revealed recycling rates have soared, with 34 per cent of all waste being diverted away from landfill. The Government's target is 30 per cent.

Tanya Scott, development manager for waste contractor Cory Environmental, said: "We are always looking at ways to make it as easy as possible for people to recycle more materials. We have been delighted with the response to the new service.

"The impressive recycling rate is great, but it could be even higher."