WEEKLY one-bin-takes-all collections throughout Wirral will be scrapped if new rubbish disposal plans get the go-ahead.

A shake-up in the way the borough disposes of its garbage has been called for because Wirral has one of the worst records in the country for recycling waste material.

We currently recycle only about a tenth of our waste - which compares unfavourably with Chester, where a much higher 26% of waste is reprocessed.

Recycling would mean the council would actually earn money from residents' reusable waste - at the same time as paying less to the Government in landfill fees.

But Conservative group leader Cllr Jeff Green said: "Wirral has an appalling record on recycling and it's obviously something we need to redress.

"What worries me is that by improving our recycling record we risk our weekly bin collection. It is one of the most basic services that council taxpayers rightly expect for their money and nothing should affect that."

Under discussion is a system where each household has two - or possibly even three - bins storing their rubbish.

General household waste would be separated from dry recyclables like plastic, and organic waste - such as discarded vegetables - would go into a third bin.

Instead of the once-a-week collection carried out at present, general household would only be collected once a fortnight - alternating with the recyclable waste collection. At a meeting tomorrow night (Thursday), the council's cabinet will consider a joint report prepared by the borough's director of finance Ian Coleman and his counterpart in technical services, Dave Green.

Their report details how phase four of an ongoing waste management-restructuring plan will see "the introduction of second wheeled bins to allow for the probable fortnightly collection of dry recyclable waste", adding: "It is a probable that a third wheeled bin will be required."

The report also says: "To minimise collection costs an alternate collection system and frequency of collection needs to be determined.

Early indications are... that an alternate weekly collection for recyclables and their residual waste could be implemented."

A decision will have to be taken quickly, the report says, because the contract for waste disposal is due to be considered in August.

It offers councillors two options to consider - doing nothing, or adopting the multi-bin system.

The latter is recommended for approval because cost increases are likely to be less while Wirral's recycling record would "significantly improve", it says.

George Bowler, Wirral Green Party treasurer, said: "It will make for a better environment, but the problem initially will be persuading the public at large that having two or even three bins is a good idea.

"Simply plonking extra bins in people's back gardens won't be enough. What's important is how the council intend to educate the public to use them properly.