RUBBISH trucks in Southend will have a new look to encourage more people to recycle.

Cory Environmental, which performs bin collections on behalf of Southend Council, has painted three information panels on the side of its refuse lorries.

The helpful hints about landfill, recycling or food waste will match the rubbish the truck is collecting.

Tony Cox, the Tory councillor responsible for waste, said: “As we aim to reach a recycling rate of 60 per cent by 2015, we are doing all we can to help residents realise how simple our recycling services are to use.

“We want to look after the environment today, so that we can have a better tomorrow. The new panels are easy to spot and they’ll show how everyone can make the most of our brilliant yet simple services.”