A COUNCIL planning a shake-up of its waste collection service looks set to stick with weekly bin collections.

But Easington District Council could introduce a collection charge for some households that have two bins.

Easington has been discussing waste collection with a panel of residents, and its executive will consider a package of proposals on Tuesday.

As well as weekly collections, they include an end to picking up "side rubbish'' - bagged-up waste left next to bins by up to 12 per cent of the district's households - except at Christmas.

Officials say Easington dustmen are the only ones in County Durham to take side rubbish and that the practice hinders recycling.

Second bins would only be given to households of more than six people. Smaller families with two bins "would be given an opportunity to pay for collection services for their additional bin'', according to a council spokeswoman.

She added: "To help reduce wheelie bin arson and street litter, a reasonable limit on the time bins are left out on the street would also be set.''

But the council would continue to collect the most bulky items free.

George Patterson, executive member for liveability, said: "Recent consultation events with a group of residents revealed a strong wish to retain weekly collections, and we will now be considering maintaining a commitment to this practice.

"The new policies are not intended to penalise, but rather encourage the 50 per cent of households in the district who do not regularly recycle, to do more.

"Under normal circumstances, particularly with recycling, a weekly collection from a 240-litre bin will be sufficient for most households' needs. We will, however, closely monitor the situation and work closely with residents who find this transition difficult."

Easington's 34 per cent recycling rate is one of the highest in the North-East, but the amount of waste generated per person remains far above the national average.

Director of community services Oliver Sherratt said: "These measures are designed to help achieve a cleaner, safer and greener district, at the same time as reducing costs, for example linked to bin arson.''

The changes, if agreed, would be introduced in October.