COUNTY civic chiefs in Hampshire are encouraging residents to donate their old furniture in a bid to reduce waste.

This comes as part of a new survey launched this week.

Hampshire County Council wants to find out what locals want to do with their old furniture The survey explores attitudes to buying and donating the products, as well as electrical appliances, and explores the barriers which prevent people from reuse to keep items out of the waste system.

Councillor Rob Humby, the county’s member for environment, said: “As resources and public finances are squeezed, it’s important we look at all options to reduce volumes of waste in the system to try to bring down the £100 million each year Hampshire’s household waste is costing.

“There are many aspects to reducing waste from upcycling to composting, but this survey is specifically looking at large household items such as sofas and fridges to find out if more would be reused if people knew more about the options.”

The online survey is open to all residents until September 14, 2018.

Those who complete the survey are eligible to win £100 Leisure Vouchers. Winners will be notified by email.

It asks questions of residents to ascertain public opinion on reducing waste, buying and donating furniture, and large electrical appliances.

The results of the survey will help inform the county council’s Smart Living campaign which began in 2015 to encourage people to make small changes to their lifestyles in order to waste less and save more.