A COUNCIL has started texting residents to remind them to put their rubbish out.

In a bid to boost recycling rates, Basildon Council is sending text messages to people’s mobile phones the day before their recycling is due to be collected.

Residents have to send an initial text message themselves to sign up to receive the fortnightly alerts.

On the week that recycling is not being collected, a text message will still be sent containing advice on how people can boost their recycling. Tips include information on unusual items which can be recycled, such as deodorant cans.

The system is being used to help the council boost its recycling rate from 38 per cent to 50 per cent by 2012.

The text messaging scheme will initially be on trial for three months and adopted permanently if successful.

The text messages will cost the council 5p each, and the overall cost of the scheme will depend on how many people sign up.

Malcolm Buckley, councillor responsible for the environment, said: “Many people are already using our pink sacks, orange boxes and green wheeled bins. Receiving a text message the day before your collection is a great way of getting into the practice of recycling.

“We need the help of every household in the district to recycle over half our household waste every year.”

To sign up text the word “Pink”, followed by your full postcode, to 82727.

The service is free, apart from the initial text message, which will be charged at your standard network rate.