WHEELIE bins look set to be brought into Darlington for the first time, ending the town’s status as one of the last in the country to use black bin bags to collect rubbish The move by Darlington Borough Council comes after a safety review warned the use of black bags is putting waste collectors at risk of muscular and skeletal injuries, needles and broken glass.

The councillor behind the plan, Nick Wallis, admitted that opinion in the town is likely to be divided about wheelie bins but promised that residents will not see any change to their service and that weekly collections will continue.

The council’s cabinet will discuss the wheelie bin proposals at a meeting on Tuesday (April 3).

If agreed, every house in the borough would be provided with a 240 litre bin, big enough to hold at least three large bags of rubbish. Larger families would be provided with bigger bins.

Coun Nick Wallis said: “The review showed that local authorities that use black bags rather than wheelie bins have more injuries- waste collectors each pick up about seven tonnes of rubbish every day.

“The number of injuries is not the only factor but we have to be a good employer.

“There will be capital costs in buying the wheelie bins and the new machinery, and we will have to bring in extra rounds because wheelie bin collections are slower, and that will all have to be incorporated into our medium term financial plan.”

Wheelie bins caused controversy in other areas when they were first introduced about 15 years ago, with many people criticising them for being unwieldy and unsightly, although others welcomed them for keeping household waste tidy and away from pests.

Coun Wallis said: “Opinions are very divided in Darlington. Some are wedded to black bin bags and there are others who believe equally as strongly that wheelie bins are the way to go.

“We have always been comfortable with our position historically but every now and again its time to have another look.

“Wheelie bins will be the right move forward for Darlington.”

No timescale has been set for the roll out and a full scrutiny process will take place to ensure the disabled and frail are given support and that those living in terraced houses can access collections.