Dudley Council rations bin bags

Binmen will refuse to take more than three black bin bags of rubbish from each home in Dudley under cost cutting plans revealed today.

There have been no restrictions on the number of bags collected until now. Bosses say the limit is being imposed to encourage recycling which has fallen in Dudley over the last financial year.

Meanwhile a batch of sacks will be delivered once a year instead of one every week to help the cash-strapped authority save money.

Shadow cabinet member for the environment, councillor Zafar Islam, today said he had some concerns about the scheme but said it was important for residents to recycle more.

He said: "There are large families in Dudley so a one-size fits all approach may not work.

"But if three bags are reasonably used along with the recycling scheme being introduced it may be a move in the right direction as we do need to be prudent with money and think about the environment."

The Express & Star previously reported reducing delivery of the sacks would offset a planned Government charge in the disposal of waste, set to cost the council £1.2m.

A trial of plastic and cardboard recycling to pilot areas in the borough also starts this month.

Cabinet member for environment and culture, Councillor David Stanley, said: "I believe these changes will offer more convenience to residents and encourage more recycling of cans, glass and paper.

"It is important that we collectively take responsibility for proactively reducing household waste for the long term benefit of all."

Over the coming weeks, a roll of 26 bin bags including an information leaflet within the first six bags, will be delivered to each household which will last for six months. In early December, a further roll of 52 bin bags will be delivered which will last for 12 months..