POOLE residents could lose their green waste collection altogether, if an option to end the service gains approval.

This is one of a number of alternatives councillors will wrestle with at the environment and scrutiny overview group on Tuesday.

Another idea to be debated is the proposal from Cllr Mike Brooke, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, to roll out a three-weekly garden waste collection across a further 11,000 homes.

“My scheme does prove quite worthwhile,” he said.

“It doesn’t raise anywhere near as much money as the charging scheme does.

“But mine is not designed to raise money.”

Assuming the capital cost of the bins was funded by prudential borrowing over seven years, at the end of the first year it would save the council £32,015 rising to £92,315 by year three.

The Conservatives’ proposal was for a £31 annual charge for a March to November collection, rolling out the scheme across the borough.

If 18,000 properties took it up, income would be £431,573 in the first year rising to £435,083 in the third year.

However the option of closing the whole garden waste collection scheme, now enjoyed by approximately 17,000 residents, would cost the council a further £125,000 in landfill charges.

Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment said: “The kerbside green bin service is highly valued in Poole and the proposal to introduce an opt-in charge of £31 a year offers the opportunity to every household who would like the service.

“However if a decision cannot be reached we will need to consider other options for the way forward.”

Recommendations include excluding garden waste from black bins, along with a proposal that households will be allowed to dispose of occasional small amounts in their refuse bins.

The committee’s recommendation will go to full council.