Big bin shake-up starting today

New collection days for bins in Sandwell were being announced today with a telephone text message and internet service being set up for people to find out when their rubbish will be picked up.

Letters are also due to arrive at the borough's 112,000 households informing people of the changes.

They are part of a shake-up of services which will start from Monday.

The changes will see each Sandwell household given a new bin for the first time in 20 years.

And from today residents can find out what day of the week their collection is by texting SANDWELL BINDAY, their house number and postcode to 60003. They will receive a response within 24 hours.

Each home will have all their waste and recycling bins collected on the same day and each town will be given its own collection date.

Waste will continue to be collected weekly with recycling and green garden waste collections every two weeks.

The collections will be carried out by Serco, which runs the borough's £650 million waste contract.

Collection days include Wednesdays for people living in parts of Londonderry Lane in Smethwick, Fridays for people living in parts of Tame Road in Oldbury and Mondays for people living in parts of Churchfields Road in Wednesbury. Residents should check their collection date by using their house number and postcode as some areas may vary.

Sandwell Council is issuing bins for the first time in 20 years to replace ugly bin bags lining the streets, which are often ripped by animals. Although the new collection dates launch next week, the new bins will be delivered from September to December.

It is the latest change to the way waste will be collected in Sandwell, with controversial slop buckets introduced this autumn.

Details of the new collection dates are available here. People can also call 0845 359 7501 for more information.