Coalville area homes are set to get a new two-wheelie bin system to replace the current recycling system.

Last week's meeting of North West Leicestershire District Council's Community Scrutiny Committee debated the proposal - which was put forward after last year's survey on the issue.

That attracted 19,507 responses, with 61 per cent - 11,839 - preferring the twin-bin option ahead of a Quattro bin and a stackable trolley system.

While that survey concluded almost 12 months ago, the committee was told that obtaining clarity on the Government's recycling legislation had delayed the process.

Committee members debated the issue which will now go to the Council's Cabinet meeting on April 22.

• It means there would be two wheelie bins for your separated recycling.

• Two 180 litre bins would be given to each household, providing 360 litres for your recycling. 

• Larger 240 litre bins would be available on request.The wheeled bins are emptied using a vehicle split into two compartments to keep the recycling separated.

• The dimensions of the two sizes are: 180 litre bin: 57.8 x 64.5 x 105 cm / 22.8 x 25.4 x 41.3 inches; 240 litre bin: 57.5 x 72.4 x 106.6 cm / 22.6 x 28.5 x 42 inches.

The portfolio holder for Communities and Climate Change, Cllr Michael Wyatt, told the committee: "For the past two years, I've been working with officers to replace the current recycling system, which is no longer fit for purpose. 

"It's taken this long to finally conclude several issues which have which had to be overcome before we could put forward a scheme which was both cost effective and legally within the recycling legislation.

"Due to a change of government, which set us back several months, we've obtained clarity from the Minister responsible.

Cllr Michael Wyatt with the original recycling options. Photo: NWLDC

"Over 19,000 people engaged with the survey, and the majority wanted the twin-bin option. The system we are putting forward is in line with the Government requirements. 

"It make it much easier for our residents to recycle, and it will help to reduce dramatically the littering of our streets, which, everyone I have spoken to, constantly highlights.

"It will cost more than the current system. But we must bear in mind that keeping the income from our recycling will no longer be viable when the Deposit Return scheme runs out.

"Our new recycling scheme will be leading the way in Leicestershire as other councils with co-mingled bins will have to move to the separation of their waste.

"I firmly believe now is the time to crack on with implementing the new recycling scheme being proposed so we can finally deliver a cleaner and greener system, which I am sure the vast majority of residents will welcome. 

"Concerning the possibility of charging for the green bin, I will continue to oppose this, as I am fairly confident savings can be found elsewhere. Members have mentioned the black bin. There are absolutely no intentions on my watch to reduce the black bin service."

Committee chair, Cllr Terri Eynon, said: "I think it's very reassuring that there is a general consensus between this scrutiny committee and the portfolio holder as to the way forward.

"We are hopefully reassuring our public and our residents that that there isn't going to be anything that they didn't want coming out of this. 

"They're getting their twin bin, which most of them voted for, and we are proposing to make our savings in a way that is not going to be difficult for them in any way.

"We are also supporting our staff, which I think is why this is hopefully not going to lead to any disruption, because they were 98 per cent behind the twin bins."

Cllr Simon Lambeth added: I'd just like to say it's good to hear from the portfolio holder that he now agrees that our proposals are now in line with the Government guidelines."

Cllr Wyatt later added: "We have delivered on the people's choice, and the sooner we get it rolled out the better.

"The only last remaining step is cabinet support in April, which I'm hopeful I can get to push ahead with making our district cleaner and greener."