Diligent environmentalists who avoid wasting food could now be inline for a financial kick back.

The Food Waste Challenge is open to residents of 1,600 flats in Epping Forest and operates as part of the current Recycling Rewards scheme – which rewards residents of flats for recycling more and sending less waste for disposal.

The challenge works through an online platform, provided by Local Green Points, which allows residents to earn Green Points for reporting their recycling every week, taking part in waste minimisation activities and now taking part in the new Food Waste Challenge.

Residents who sign up to the Challenge will be encouraged to make pledges to incorporate WRAP’s five food waste behaviours of storing food correctly, understanding date labels, portion control, planning meals and making use of leftovers.

For every week residents stick to their pledge they are rewarded with ‘Green Points’.

Every month the six residents who have earned the most Green Points for their community win a £25 voucher from a choice of M&S, Love2Shop, iTunes and Local Leisure Centres, or they have the choice to donate their £25 to charity.

At the end of the first year, the top four performing communities will each win a share of £1,750 to donate to their favourite local charity.