Food waste collections, separating recycling and moving to black bin collections every three weeks are some of the possible changes being considered in Leicestershire.

A recent report submitted to Leicestershire County Council outlining possible changes to waste services has been slammed by outraged county residents.

The possible change to black bin collections, which could see them being emptied as infrequently as every three weeks, has been branded particularly rubbish.

One commenter said: "This has already been trialled, and scrapped. All this is going to achieve is further waste of taxpayers money, and more fly tipping. What a ridiculous situation."

Another agreed: "Well that's just daft. We make two weeks with our black bin, but three and we'd be collecting bags in the garage. Glad to hear there's talk of a kitchen waste pick up, however."

A third also considered the plans to be rotten: "I already compost most of my food waste and religiously recycle and my black bin is still full at the end of the fortnight… This is ludicrous."

The plans to introduce food waste collections divided public opinion slightly more.

A resident who is part of the North West Leicestershire District Council food bin trial said the scheme needed some tweaking: "Kitchen waste bin is a good idea but I'm on the trial and the bins are very small. Could do with a bigger one for a family of 5, I end up still putting food waste in my black bin."

The possibility of rats and other vermin as a result the various proposals was a concern for many.

One commentor said: "Tried food waste in Wigston. The food waste boxes ended up riddled with maggots. Good luck with that one."

A second added: "And yet our council tax will still go up in march! Wait until all the food rots and over-spills and you will have a rat infestation!"

A few people did say they could survive with the three weekly black bin collection. Though one admitted that it was because they live alone.

They said: "Depends on the household. Living alone I'd be fine, although in the summer the smell may be something else.. But most of my neighbours are families with kids so may not feel the same."

Another said they could do so 'easily': "I have a 120L black bin, that is rarely full at 2 weeks, but my 240L recycling bin is always rammed full.

"I collect my soft plastics and take that to Tesco / co op. A separate weekly food waste collection would be excellent!"

Leicestershire County Council is part of the Leicestershire Waste Partnership, made up of the county, city and district councils.

The proposals outlined in the report are expected to go to a public consultation in January, which would run for 12 weeks, before any decisions are made by the Partnership.