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A consultation has begun in Wirral over the introduction of three-weekly green bin collections which would save more than £1 million per year.
Wirral Council says the introduction of weekly food waste collections and other recycling changes have significantly reduced the volume of non-recyclable waste needing to be collected, meaning it would be more efficient to empty them every three weeks.
The local authority points out that food waste, which can often be the main cause of smells and hygiene concerns, is no longer stored in green wheelie bins between collections.
A council spokesperson said: "The council, along with many other authorities, is under pressure to increase recycling rates in response to national objectives and reduce the volume of waste sent for disposal. A review of waste services is therefore necessary to ensure service standards can be maintained alongside the need for cost savings across the service."
It says an alternative option of replacing every household's green wheelie bin with a smaller receptacle would involve "significant costs and service disruption".
It adds: "The proposed move to three-weekly collections is the most cost-effective option to explore, helping to make best use of public money while continuing to provide a reliable waste service and support increased recycling."
The proposal is expected to save around £1.2m a year in collection costs and "avoid significant added costs associated with the disposal of non-recyclable waste".
Households with medical waste, more than six people in household, or two or more children using disposable nappies will still be able to apply for a larger green bin.
There are no proposed changes to grey wheelie bin recycling collections, weekly food waste collections or brown bin garden waste collections.
Properties that use sacks or communal bulk waste bins would not be affected.
The consultation is open until 25 November at https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/future-waste.
