Blue bins in Watford could soon be collected just once a fortnight amid cost saving measure discussions.

On Monday June 3 the borough council’s cabinet will discuss the option to end weekly collections of dry recycling for low rise properties, meaning houses and individual flats in blocks up to five.

A report attached to the meeting agenda, published yesterday (May 23), suggests it could deliver an annual saving of around £110,000 as well as carbon savings.

It adds that across England 78 per cent of councils who collect all recycling in one bin do so fortnightly.

Officers who had been asked to examine the option have recommended a move to fortnightly recycling in October 2024, which is apparently the earliest achievable date.

To lessen the impact on larger households, changes to the bin policy are also proposed.

Households with four or more permanent residents would be entitled to an additional 240-litre recycling bin.

Those with a 140-litre recycling bin would be able to swap it for a 240-litre recycling bin.

Watford Observer: Watford bin collection.Watford bin collection. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

It also proposes that residents should be able to put additional side recycling out if clearly marked or in a clear sack next to their recycling bin on collection day.

Larger blocks of flats with six or more properties and those with access to communal recycling facilities would be excluded and continue to receive a weekly collection.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “Over the last 10 years, government funding for the council has been cut by 50 per cent. To protect the services you value most, we are working hard to make sure every penny counts.

Watford Observer: Watford bin collection.Watford bin collection. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

“We are considering fortnightly recycling because it is tried and tested, with seven out of the top 10 performing councils for recycling in the country working this way.

“It is also an opportunity to provide value for money while also driving down our carbon emissions, moving us closer to our goal of creating a cleaner, greener Watford.

The mayor added: “Watford residents are fantastic at recycling and I am proud that we are in the top 20 per cent in the country for our recycling rates.

"The proposals include giving residents the option to have a bigger or an extra recycling bin to ensure we can continue to build on this success if we do move to fortnightly collections.”

The cabinet’s decision will be subject to a call-in period.