A recycling co-op is to launch the first door-to-door recycling scheme for the whole of Brighton and Hove.

Magpie Recycling is to begin kerbside collections of glass, paper, cardboard, food and drink cans, tin foil, textiles and some plastics.

Garden waste will be taken away for composting from homes taking part in the scheme.

Until now, only homes in areas covered by the established green box scheme have been able to order recycling collections from the 13-year-old Brighton-based co-operative.

Michael Pearce, from Magpie, said a successful pilot at 140 homes had shown the kerbside system could be extended to the rest of the city.

He said: "It is what we have always aimed for. We have wanted to give Brighton and Hove the chance to recycle as much as possible."

He added an average household that sorted its recycling cut the amount of rubbish sent to landfill by more than half.

The Government says councils must recycle at least 30 per cent of household waste by 2010.

Brighton and Hove currently recycles about ten per cent.

The National Waste Strategy also recommends kerbside schemes, which are recognised as the most efficient way of boosting recycling.

Kemp Town MP Des Turner, who signed a House of Commons motion calling on all councils to set up kerbside collections, said Magpie should be congratulated.

Brighton and Hove City Council is running a pilot scheme picking up newspapers and magazines for recycling from homes in selected areas.

It said the scheme already reached about 40 per cent of homes and would be extended.

Magpie will charge £1 for each sack it collects for recycling and will call at homes when four sacks have been filled.

For details, call 01273 500021.