Green councillor Rik Child wants Brighton and Hove council to eliminate waste by 2020.

He said the city council should become a zero waste council and sign a charter.

Coun Child said: "By signing the zero waste charter, the council would be committing itself to work with business and domestic waste producers to design away waste. The possibilities are very exciting.

"The Government wants local authorities to help find solutions."

Greens are also calling on the council to consider other ideas for keeping the streets clean and to increase the recycling rate.

These include setting up monitored communal bins and removing the organic part of the refuse which seagulls want to eat.