A new campaign to reward residents with cash prizes for recycling has been unveiled. 

The community incentive scheme, supported by a government fund of £655,000, will run for three years across Merton in a bid to increase recycling performance rates.

Communities which show the biggest improvement will be rewarded with prize draws of £250 to £500 for individuals, and three community prizes ranging from £10,000 to £15,000 for the ward which sees the biggest improvement to go toward improvements such as new plants or shrubs.

Those living in flats will be able to compete with winning blocks receiving a reward chosen with the help of housing and residents associations.

Merton Council has estimated the scheme will help divert 12,733 tonnes of waste from landfill over five years, saving the council more than £1m in landfill tax.

Flats and houses in identified streets will have their recycling tonnage measured regularly over a specified period to decide the winner.

For more information visit merton.gov.uk/environment/recyclingwastemanagement