CHANGES to the way domestic waste is collected in Darlington will cut £200,000 from the cost of the country's most expensive refuse disposal system.

The new system will mean the demise of the dustbin, with waste having to be put in black plastic bags and taken to the roadside by house occupants.

The money saved by Darlington Borough Council will go towards introducing an improved kerbside recycling scheme next year.

The council's weekly refuse collection system is the most expensive in the country, even though three-quarters of all people already take their rubbish bags to the kerbside.

A uniform system of rubbish collections has not previously been introduced in the borough because of its mix of rural and urban homes.

Some people put out dustbins, and in some cases refuse collectors walk up garden paths to collect them.

But from September 2, all residents will have to put their rubbish in plastic sacks and place them as close as possible to the kerbside by 7.30am on the day of collection.

People in terraced homes with back lanes will still be able to leave their bags in the lane. Sheltered housing residents will not be affected.

Terry Collins, the council's assistant director of environmental services, said: "It is a new system, so we are asking the public to be patient. They need to put their refuse in a strong black bin bag, make sure it is tied properly and take it to the kerbside as near to the collection time as they can."

All householders will receive an information leaflet outlining the changes. Anyone unable to deposit refuse at the kerbside can contact the council on (01325) 388777.