Rubbish bins in Watford could be collected once every two weeks from July, in plans that will be considered by councillors tonight (Monday, January 6).

Currently these black bins – for so-called ‘residual’ or non-recyclable waste – are collected from homes in Watford every week.

But now councillors are to consider halving the number of times these bins are emptied, as part of a package of measures they say should reduce waste, increase recycling and protect the environment.

As part of the proposals new 23-litre brown bins would be issued for cooked and uncooked food waste, and would be collected weekly and used for compost or electricity.

The existing blue-lidded bins – for mixed dry recyclables such as glass and tins – would continue to be emptied weekly.

Meanwhile there would be a new £45-a-year charge (reduced to £40 if paid by direct debit) for the optional collection of garden waste – which is currently collected without charge with food waste.

The proposals will be considered by a meeting of Watford Borough Council’s cabinet this evenng. If agreed they will come into force in July (2020).

Speaking in advance of the meeting, Elected Mayor or Watford Peter Taylor said:  “We know that we are facing a real climate emergency and we need to do what we can to make a difference, at the same time as having a 70 per cent reduction in our funding from central government.

“I am committed to making Watford a more sustainable town, whether by cutting down the number of journeys we need to do in our cars or reducing the environmental impact of the waste we throw away.

“The changes in the report offer greater opportunities for residents to recycle and are in line with many other local authorities across Hertfordshire and the rest of the country.”

According to the proposals 76 per cent of local authorities across the country already collect ‘residual’ waste fortnightly, or less frequently. And they say most household waste – around 70 per cent – can be recycled.

In Watford, recent analysis of the contents of black bins has shown that a significant amount could have been recycled – with food waste accounting for 30 per cent and other collected recyclables for 12.

And should the proposed changes be implemented the report says there will be a “significant improvement” in the borough’s current 44 per cent recycling and composting rate.

Meanwhile the report says the introduction of a subscription for the collection of garden waste is in response to the financial challenges the council faces.

According to the report the council faces a cumulative overall funding gap over the next three years of £3.2 million.

But over that period it is estimated that the proposed annual charge for garden waste collection could bring in additional income of £1.185 million.

According to the proposals residents would be able to pay for up to seven bins for garden waste per household. And for some residents on income-based benefits there would be a concessionary rate of £35.

“The introduction of garden waste subscription is a response to the financial challenges the council faces,” says the report.

“By charging those who receive it, the council is protecting the service for those who want to use it whilst also protecting the delivery of other service areas for which it is responsible.”

The proposals have been drawn up as part of discussion to extend the existing waste and recycling contract with Veolia for a further eight years from July 1.

Mayor Taylor said: “The council has had a very positive partnership with Veolia over the last six years, which has achieved a lot for Watford including improved recycling rates and 12 green flag parks – the most in Hertfordshire.

“The services Veolia provide for the council are extremely important to Watford residents.”