More York households to get wheelie bins for first time - council

York's "bags to bin" scheme is set to be extended to more wards, the city council says

At least 5,000 households across York will soon be able to put their rubbish out in wheelie bins for the first time.

City of York Council said it planned to extend its "bags to bin" scheme so more people could switch from using bin bags to dispose of non-recyclable waste.

Currently, about 1,010 houses in the Holgate and Westfield areas are already involved in the scheme.

James Gilchrist, from the council, said the new households involved would be contacted directly.

Mr Gilchrist, director of Transport, Environment and Planning, said: "We plan to roll out a new batch of the long-running programme to introduce bins instead of bags.

"This will only happen to properties across the city that can accommodate the change," he added.

"Using a wheeled bin for waste collection helps with waste containment which reduces windblown litter from ripped bags, helps to increase recycling and has health and safety benefits for our collection crews. "

The council would also provide an assisted service for residents who could struggle with using a bin instead of a bag to dispose of rubbish, Mr Gilchrist said.

Seven wards, including Micklegate, Guildhall and Clifton, would be the new focus for the extended scheme, the council said.

Households in Holgate, Heworth, Fishergate and Hull Road would be moved to using wheelie bins later.

The council said it hoped it would encourage more households to also become eligible for garden waste collections.

At the moment, people can only sign up for such collections if they have wheelie bins.