ENVIRONMENTALLY friendly townsfolk can now take advantage of an innovative way to help with refuse collection.

Wychavon District Council is attempting to make recycling even easier with a free text messaging reminder service.

Residents can e-mail their mobile phone number to the council and in return they will receive a weekly text message explaining what the collection is for, what bag to use and when it will take place.

The service has been developed for the refuse collection after being successfully used by Wychavon District Council for other services.

One of the main problems facing the refuse collection service is getting everything collected on time, hoping residents in and around Droitwich remember what days to wheel out their rubbish.

Mark Edwards, waste management officer for Wychavon District Council, said: "This is something a bit different that we hope will make the collection service a little easier.

"We will still be giving out calendars so that people know when the collection is due but this gives people another option."

It is hoped that the service will appeal to a new generation of residents who take their mobile phones everywhere with them and now rely on them for vital information.

"It seems people are now using their mobile phones for everything. We are not sure how successful or popular the service will prove to be but we are prepared to give it a go. We have the system so we might as well use it," added Mark.

Anyone interested in getting a text reminder to help with recycling, refuse collection or other services can e-mail their number to client.service@wychavon.gov.uk