The change to fortnightly bin collections has been put forward to Douglas Council before.

Douglas councillor and environment and regeneration committee chair Falk Horning tried to reduce collections previously in 2020 but the proposal was rejected at that year’s annual budget meeting.

But following Douglas Council’s budget meeting last week, this proposal was voted through, along with a 3.8% increase in rates for 2022/23.

Mr Horning said: ’The principle of the scheme switch was approved last time the item was discussed in council.

’Many council members were very passionate about increasing Douglas recycling rates and supported this "give and take" method.

’However, at the budget meeting it was turned down. Some councillors felt that the expenditure for the green waste bins was too high. Unfortunately, many environmental initiatives face this cost criticism.

’In the last months we talked more about the scheme and how it is going to save money every year. The initial capital expenditure should be offset within a couple of years, creating long-term savings for ratepayers.’

He explained that the criticism of cost was one of the reasons the council couldn’t introduce a stackable recycling container system at the same time.

’To maximise the benefits of our capital outlay, introducing a green waste bin and switching to fortnightly residual waste collection had to be prioritised,’ he said.

’Following on from the debates back then, we introduced the cardboard collection which was welcomed by many people. Combined with other initiatives, we took several small steps before confidently making this small jump.’

Green Party member Mr Horning added: ’I am entirely convinced that this is our town’s best chance to significantly increase its recycling rate. Currently, too many items which can be recycled still end up in the black bin. The switch to fortnightly residual waste collection is scheduled for September, not on April 1, which is a false date that has been circulating.’

The council is planning to introduce a garden waste disposal service as part of its kerbside collection.

Fortnightly domestic garden waste collections will start this summer, and operate between February and October, with eligible households being supplied with a 240-litre wheelie bin for their garden waste. One month after the introduction of the green waste service, the revised refuse collection service will begin.

Support will be given to people having difficulty minimising their waste. Items classified as acceptable green waste are grass cuttings, hedge cuttings leaves, bark and tree prunings, twigs and small branches up to 5cm across, bedding from herbivore pets, cut flowers, and weeds.