Binmen cannot have green trousers because they are being snapped up for the war in Afghanistan.

Brighton and Hove City Council, which has taken over responsibility for the waste service, is providing new uniforms for its refuse collectors and street cleaners.

Usually, the special, reinforced trousers come in a choice of blue or green But the Ministry of Defence has ordered all the available supply of green trousers for the troops.

Brighton and Hove City Council stores buyer Colin Cresswell said: "In fact, the blue trousers go much better with the bottle green sweatshirt and polo shirt we have also chosen for the uniform because the other colour was an Army-style drab green."

The combat-style trousers will have reinforced panels on the front and reflective strips round the bottom of each leg.

Staff will also be offered waterproof coats, steel-toed boots and jackets designed to keep in the warmth, plus high-visibility vests. Workers have been consulted about the uniforms, which will arrive in the next few weeks.

Mr Cresswell said: "In the past, uniforms were chosen by people miles away in the head office of whichever company was running the contract, without any feedback from the people actually doing the job.

"We have responded to the crews' suggestions and the new uniforms should be more comfortable and practical."

Antony Torr, who works in recycling for the council, said he had not yet seen the new uniforms.

But Mr Torr, who served in the Falklands War, said: "I am glad they have chosen blue.

"When I came out of the Army, I vowed I would never wear green again."

Crews have also been consulted about the right mix of vehicles being hired to provide the service.

The council, which only took over emptying bins and sweeping streets from Sita last month, eventually plans to buy its own fleet of vehicles.

It is also producing a monthly newsletter called The Dust to keep the workforce informed.