RESIDENTS living on Herefordshire's Welsh border could have to wait a month to have their rubbish collected.

A new recycling initiative in Powys has seen a three weekly non-recyclable collection start this week, with plans already being considered to increase this to four.

Powys County Council say collections made every three weeks will save them £482,000 a year and help them to meet Welsh Government recycling targets.

However, Glasbury County Councillor and Hay-on-Wye resident James Gibson-Watt said that it was the wrong time to bring in the changes.

He said: "It's being introduced in unseemly haste with people not being able to prepare for the change which is bringing considerable difficulties for the council having to order larger bins for those people with health products.

"It would have been far more sensible to introduce this in the next financial year. Of course it is clear that the council wish to move to a four week collection next year.

"This could increase fly tipping in such a rural area and it also raises considerable questions over health. It could cost the council more money cleaning up the damage of this move than it saves.

"I know the council has to save money but it shouldn't be at the expense of public health."

The changes have been introduced despite a recent consultation showing that 66 per cent of residents felt they would find it hard to cope with a collection every three weeks.

To prepare for the new timings, council have brought 1,000 extra-large bins costing them £17,550. However parents must have "two or more babies in nappies" or have "families of six or more people" to apply for one of the containers.

Cabinet member for Environmental Services Councillor John Powell said: “Moving to a three weekly rubbish collection system is designed to ensure that even more of our waste is recycled and deliver savings. There is a long way to go to meet the next Welsh Government target and there will be even tougher limits in years to come.

“We urge residents to recycle as much of their waste as possible and minimise the amount going to landfill.

"Households with nappies, incontinence waste or colostomy bags may be eligible for additional capacity. This can be requested by contacting the council and an assessment will be arranged."

For more information or to request additional recycling boxes contact Powys County Council on 08456 027035 or visiting their website at: www.powys.org.uk.