Only 10 per cent of food waste is currently being recycled in Islington – despite the council making it compulsory last year.

If rates do not improve, Islington Council has warned it will need to find an extra �500,000 by 2020 to dispose of waste with less money to spend on vital services in the face of government cuts.

Cllr Paul Smith, Islington Council’s executive member for environment, said: “With government cuts continuing, we need to protect funding for our most vital services.

“We’ve made recycling quick, clean and easy because every pound we waste sending rubbish to landfill is a pound that can’t be spent on something more important.

“Recycling food waste is no different – it’s cheaper than landfill, good for the environment and residents can take pride knowing they are doing their bit for our community in tough times.”

Almost all Islington homes have recycling services, and about half also have food waste collections. It’s estimated that two thirds of borough’s rubbish could be recycled.

The council said it will continue to follow an approach of “education and encouragement” with residents who do not presently recycle. Enforcement will only be considered if residents refuse to recycle – with the possibility of a fixed penalty notice of �80.