The trial is part of Wrap's SME Recycling Programme, and aims to develop convenient and cost effective services to make it easier for smaller companies to recycle.

The trial will also investigate the best methods of diverting construction waste from landfill.

The project is managed by Axion Recycling. It will offer building companies three recycling service options; drop-off facilities, collection by skips or collection in bulk bags to suit the size of business and site being worked on.

Liz Morrish, SME Recycling programme manager, said: "SMEs cover a vast range of businesses that all have different needs from their recycling collection service, either because of the quantity of material to be collected for recycling, the space they have available to store materials or where they are based.

"This trial will give us a much better idea of what factors make a real difference to SMEs in the construction sector and therefore encourage them to start recycling their waste."

The trial is due to take place in Lymm, near Warrington, Manchester and Peterborough and will run until June.