A RADICAL shake-up in waste disposal is coming to Brighouse and Elland.

Calderdale Council decided this week to begin fortnightly bin collections in August.

Most homes will be given wheeled bins or black bags for general waste which will be collected every two weeks.

Boxes and bags for recyclable paper, glass, cans and plastic bottles will be emptied weekly, as will containers for food waste.

Some 21% of household waste in Calderdale is now recycled or composted. The council hopes to increase this to 40% by 2010 and 50% by 2020.

Council deputy leader Clr Stephen Baines said: “This scheme will help residents to recycle more. Most importantly, it will reduce the chances of tax payers having to foot the bill as a result of targets set by the Government and the European Union.

“If the council did nothing to improve recycling rates by 2012/13 council tax could rise by up to 7% because of increased landfill tax charges and penalties.”

Clr Baines said the council wanted to work with residents to make the new system a success.

He said: “We need to get this right from the start, so we will consult residents to ensure that the right solutions are offered to each household.

“Parts of the borough are very rural while other areas are urban. This means there won’t be one solution that fits all. Some households will be unable to use standard wheeled bins.”

The new collection system begins on August 1 and will be expanded across the borough in 2009.

Residents will receive information packs in the post. The council will also hold roadshows at a number of venues to offer help and advice.

For more information call 0845 245 7000 or visit www.calderdale.gov.uk