CHRISTCHURCH residents will be the first to try the new waste service as preparations to roll it out across Dorset take shape.

As part of Dorset Waste Partnership’s (DWP) plans to co-ordinate services across the county, the new service will be piloted in Christchurch from October.

Over the past few weeks, representatives from the DWP have been talking to residents about what the service will entail and the changes that will be made.

And as part of a concerted effort to make sure all residents are up to speed about the changes, leaflets about the new service will be landing on doormats across the borough from Tuesday.

The changes mean residents will be able to recycle more than ever before, including plastic yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and meat trays which will be collected for the first time under the scheme.

Earlier this year, all of the partner councils agreed to introduce the new service to replace the 12 existing collections across the county’s six districts.

And it is hoped that by working together, the councils can drive down future costs by £2million a year.

As part of the service, residents will keep their green recycling box for glass items and receive a new recycling wheelie bin as well as a wheelie bin for general rubbish which can’t be recycled.

These containers will be collected fortnightly.

Households will also receive a lockable food bin for all uncooked and cooked food waste as well as a kitchen caddy which will be emptied weekly.

Steve Burdis, director of the Dorset Waste Partnership said: “We don’t want people to feel intimidated or concerned about the changes.

“The bins are available for people to see at the Civic Offices in Christchurch and when people see them, generally their response has been positive.

“Since we have introduced food waste bins people can see how much they throw away and tend to reduce it, saving them money.”

He added: “In the long-run this is going to make it easier for people.

“We’re not naive and expect a few teething problems but we would just ask residents to bear with us if that does happen.”

Mr Burdis also said the service will be adapted for those with assisted collections and should residents have concerns there is a degree of flexibility.

Residents in East Dorset will receive letters from May 14.

KEEPING YOUR GARDEN TIDY

Residents wanting to take advantage of kerbside garden waste collections instead of traipsing to the recycling centres can do so for £35 a year.

Those opting in will get a 240-litre wheelie bin which will be collected fortnightly.

There is also a chance to share the annual cost with a neighbour.

People not wanting a bin can ask for a 90-litre reusable bag for £25 a year.

WHAT YOU SAY

• Clarissa Benger from Christchurch said: “I am all for it. I moved here 20years ago from Germany and they were doing it then.”

• Becky Brown from Christchurch said: “I would do it more if all the bins were provided. I think with a lot of people it’s just laziness.”

• Janet Wilson, who lives in the town centre said: “If it’s cost-effective then I agree with it. It’s good they are making provision.”

• Maureen Wootten from Christchurch said: “I’m glad we are getting the wheelie bins. They will be so much easier.”