More than 3,000 people talked to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s recycling officers during a four-week roadshow tour to explain the changes to the kerbside recycling service.

The 14 public roadshows offered residents the chance to speak to dedicated recycling officers about the new scheme and to see the new bins which will be provided during 2009.

Officers also visited nine schools in the borough to talk to pupils and parents about recycling and how they and their families can do more to help the environment.

The new kerbside services will allow residents to recycle up to 60 per cent of their household waste including food waste.

The first phase of the new recycling scheme will start in mid February in the north and east of the borough.

Phase two, in the south and west of the borough, will begin in mid June. Other arrangements will be made for people living in flats.