A COUNCIL is to review its waste collection procedures to try to save money.

Teesdale District Council is expected to implement charges for collection of bulky waste and abandon plans for a cash bonus to households which regularly recycle rubbish.

The council's social and environmental policy committee will discuss the proposals tomorrow.

The bulky household waste collection is for rubbish which does not fit in a wheelie-bin.

The service is free but director of community services Mark Ladyman has suggested a charge of £10 per five items or ten bags. Residents who claim benefits will not be charged

It is anticipated the council will make £13,000 by charging for the collections,.

Councillor John Watson, a member of the social and environmental policy committee, criticised the proposal, saying: "This will increase the amount of fly-tipping and people who are evading the proper channels for waste disposal."

The council introduced the idea of a recycling bonus when it implemented a wheelie bin and recycling scheme in January last year.

But Mr Ladyman said there had been problems with the scheme.

Delivery of recycling boxes was delayed and bar codes were not installed until late last year, so it was impossible to identify which properties had been participating in the scheme.

He said in a report: "The payment of £10 to each household which participates on the required number of occasions could seriously affect the financial stability of the council.

"For example, if 50 per cent of all households met the prerequisite number of presentations of their recycling boxes this council would have to pay £60,000."

But Coun Watson said the council had given an undertaking to the community and should not renege on it.

He said: "I don't blame Mr Ladyman as this was put in place before he arrived here. But this should have been built into the council's budgetary exercise."

It is hoped the council will be able to offer an alternative type of recycling incentive scheme such as payment in kind.