NEW waste collections are likely to be introduced in west Dorset from 2014 onwards.

All seven councils in the Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) have given their go-ahead to the new waste collection service. The aim is to boost recycling rates and save up to £2m.

West Dorset District Council has agreed to fully join the partnership in 2013 with the new system likely to start in 2014 to 2015 although this is to be confirmed.

Most residents will have:

• A weekly food waste collection with a seven-litre kitchen caddy and a larger, lockable container to be kept outside.

• A fortnightly recycling collection using a 240-litre wheelie bin, a 55-litre box for glass and a small reusable bag for batteries.

• A fortnightly refuse collection for any waste that can’t be recycled, using a 140-litre wheelie bin.

Households will also have the option to receive a fortnightly garden waste collection using a 240-litre bin for an annual charge of £35 or a reusable bag for £25.

The Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) was launched in April 2011. It is responsible for providing waste and cleansing services on behalf of Christchurch Borough Council, Dorset County Council, East Dorset District Council, North Dorset District Council and Purbeck District Council. West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council have agreed to fully join the partnership in 2013.

Concerns have been raised in Bridport and Lyme Regis about householders in terraced and smaller streets having to use new wheelie bins.

The partnership said that there would be some flexibility built into the scheme.

Coun Hilary Cox, chairman of the Dorset Waste Partnership Joint Committee, said: “Having all the partners on board for the new waste collection service is a fantastic sign of how Dorset councils are working together to save money and provide better services for taxpayers. “It means people across Dorset will be able to recycle more at home and get the same high standard of service at the kerbside.

“However, we realise that one size doesn’t fit all.

“The new service will be flexible so that people who can’t store the bins, need help with their collection or have a large family can enjoy as many of the benefits as possible.”

The waste will be sorted at the Broomhills site in Bridport if it goes ahead.

Dorset county councillor Karl Wallace, of Bridport ward, raised concerns at a distirct council executive committee meeting when the move was backed.

He suggested new build sites such as Poundbury could also be used for recycling centres.

He said: “I feel strongly that before an introduction of a two-weekly service we should ask for a public consultation.”

Coun Wallace also pointed out that Communities Minister Eric Pickles had made £250million available for councils to keep or restore weekly collections.

The new service will be introduced in phases across Dorset.

Christchurch and part of East Dorset will be first to receive the service, which should be in place countywide by 2014 to 2015.