Wheelie bins are set to get smaller as Waverley adopts a new policy for its waste and recycling service.

Last week the council's Executive committee agreed to adopt the new policy and charging system for refuse, recycling and food waste bins, which will mean householders in new homes, and those requesting replacement bins, will get a 180-litre bin instead of the current 240-litre size.

Waverley says its move is being made as part of its commitment to reduce waste and to encourage recycling, reusing and composting in the borough. It has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

Richard Homewood, the council's Head of Environmental and Regulatory Services, said: "The switch to grey bins made predominantly of recycled plastic will significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

"Ongoing reductions in residual waste from our residents and further improvements in the amount of collected waste which is reused, composted or recycled plays an important part.

"Analysis shows that this 25% reduction in capacity should still be more than adequate for the vast majority of households in Waverley, given that the average weight of residual waste is just 14kg per household per fortnight.

"We do hope that residents will understand and get on board with the changes and help us achieve our carbon neutrality goals."

Waverley is also encouraging residents to sign up to its garden waste collection service in the hope it will cut the number of vehicles making trips to the community tip.

The service costs £99 if you sign up before June, which includes a one-off charge for the bin. [L]https://www.waverley.gov.uk/GardenWaste[.L+] Click here[.L] to sign up on the Waverley website.