Household waste collections could be cut in Wirral

Green bins for general household waste could be emptied every three weeks instead of every fortnight under plans being considered by Wirral Council.

The council said the proposal would affect about 142,000 households and could save around £1.2m a year in collection costs.

It said weekly food waste collections had reduced the amount of rubbish being placed in green bins, which are used for waste that cannot be recycled.

A public consultation is due to run from 14 October to 24 November, with councillors expected to make a final decision in 2027.

The council said separating food from general rubbish also meant there would be fewer bad smells from rotting waste.

It said the new regime was the most cost-effective option it had considered as it looks to increase recycling and reduce waste disposal costs.

The authority said it had also considered replacing households' green bins with smaller ones while maintaining fortnightly collections, but said this would be costly and disruptive.

Homes using rubbish sacks or shared large waste bins would not be affected.

The council said larger bins would remain available to qualifying households, including those with medical waste or more than six residents, while assisted collections would continue.

There are no proposed changes to grey recycling bins, weekly food waste collections or brown garden waste bins.

If approved, the changes would be introduced gradually, with residents given advance notice.

Residents will be able to have their say through the council's consultation website from 14 October.

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