Plans to increase recycling rates in south Norfolk are set to be put on hold after council officials reviewed the cost of a food waste collection trial.

Plans to increase recycling rates in south Norfolk are set to be put on hold after council officials reviewed the cost of a food waste collection trial.

South Norfolk Council had been looking to follow Broadland's lead by introducing an additional weekly kerbside collection service, which would divert food scraps away from landfill.

But leaders said today they were looking to put a proposed trial in Wymondham on ice as a result of the extra cost to households and impact on council finances.

The Conservative controlled authority, which pledged to become the best in the country for recycling three years ago, is currently 1.2pc below the 40pc national recycling target.

However, a 6,000 home food waste initiative in Wymondham would cost the council �27 per household in the first year and �19 per household in the second year. The new figures have prompted officers to call for the scheme to be put on hold for six to 12 months as a result of a lack of funding.

Members are being asked to keep a 'watching brief' until the council knows the national political agenda for waste policy after the general election and the impact on local authority finances.

David Bills, cabinet member for the environment, health and recycling at South Norfolk, said he was monitoring closely Broadland District Council's food waste trial, which has received government funding to cover 10,000 homes on the edge of Norwich.

He added that the council was looking at opportunities to share services with Breckland Council and other members of the Norfolk Waste Partnership to deliver the scheme.

South Norfolk's environment, health, and recycling overview sub-committee will discuss the recommendations on Monday .