The Ultimate Recycling Challenge?

Watch Video: Sorting through bottles, paper, rotting food, nappies... >

Meanwhile, back at the dump, the rest of the group wait for the second part of the challenge, which promises to be an experience none of them will ever forget.

Sasha, Aaron, Ian and Jermaine arrive back in the dustcart from their morning collecting, closely followed by the sound of the reversing siren of the dustcart. Christine clocks what is about to happen: 'Oh my God, they're not going to dump it here are they?' But it does and a horrid stench rises from the pile.

Hold your noses

Rob explains that the pile of rubbish that has just been dumped literally on their doorstep is from just a few local streets in the borough of Sutton. Sutton recycles 29% of its waste - just above the national average. So this is a pretty typical pile of household rubbish. And their challenge as a group is to sift through it and recycle as much of it as possible.

They aren't happy: 'I think this is a horrible task. I think it's disgusting. Already people have been gagging,' says a disgruntled Jarvis.

After getting dressed in full health and safety gear, the group tentatively begin to pick through the rubbish, but among the pile they also find last night's leftovers, dirty nappies, empty syringe cases, and used sanitary towels. It is enough to make anyone baulk.

Sylvia tries to explain: 'The smell of it is putrid, its gut-wrenching. The stench just overwhelms you it just kind of permeates every pore.'

'This is worst thing I have ever done in my life,' is Jermaine's verdict.

It's all too much for Jarvis

It's hard going and after just half an hour, Jarvis walks off. Christine is also overwhelmed and ends up crying while bent over a skip whilst Ian tries to comfort her.

Lawrence is the only one who hasn't moaned about it. In fact he appears to be really into it and says recycling is so important that he would do this without reward.

After two hours Rob comes in to stop them. They've barely dented the pile of rubbish, but Rob explains that this was the exact point he wanted the challenge to prove. No-one else is going to spend hours separating our rubbish. The responsibility for recycling lies with us all as individuals in our own homes. Once we've put it in a black bin bag it's too late.

Gratefully the group take their leave to go and have well-deserved shower.