Bin collection shake-up approved

Kirklees Council wants to boost recycling rates

A West Yorkshire council has approved plans for fortnightly bin collections, despite receiving petitions from residents opposed to the idea.

Every home in Kirklees, which includes Huddersfield and Dewsbury, will have their bins emptied fortnightly by 2010.

The scheme, which aims to encourage people to recycle more, will be introduced in phases so people can get help and advice from council officers.

Kirklees Council said a trial involving 5,000 homes had been a success.

Thousands of people had signed petitions raising concerns about the plans to empty bins once every two weeks.

Areas which will get fortnightly bin collections in 2007 Denby Dale, Clayton West, Scissett, Skelmanthorpe, Shelley, Shepley, Kirkburton Scholes, Holmfirth, New Mill, Honley. Brockholes, Berry Brow, Meltham Netherton, Newsome, Lowerhouses, Springwood

But councillor Martyn Bolt, the council's cabinet member responsible for the environment, said the three-year timetable would allow officers to spend a lot of time in each area to give advice and address any concerns.

He said: "The success of the pilot scheme was that we ran a hearts and mind campaign.

"We made sure everyone knew how the scheme worked and officers had individual meetings with people who had concerns.

"The same will apply as the scheme is expanded across the district.

"Before the scheme is implemented in any area there will be exhibitions, community group meetings and drop-in sessions to give residents more information."

A kerbside glass collection scheme is to be expanded and the council said there would be improved free garden waste collections.