A SCHEME to reduce household waste collections to once a fortnight is likely to be given a trial run by Crewe and Nantwich Borough officials.

Council bosses have recommended an 'alternate collection' scheme which, if given the go-ahead, will run for three months before being fully implemented next year.

It is aimed at increasing the overall volume of recycling.

A report by the council's Waste Task Group says the scheme aims to boost recycling by having wheelie bins with recyclable waste collected one week and non-recyclable household waste collected the other week.

Similar schemes have caused controversy in Vale Royal, where it has been implemented, and in Congleton where it is being planned.

The new initiative would take place in Haslington, Winterley, Maw Green, Coppen-hall, St Barnabas and Leighton as well as part of Waldron.

If the trial is successful the scheme could be in place as soon as next January.

Council spokesman Ian Richardson said: 'Local authorities must increase recycling rates from 20 to 30% by 2010 or face penalties from Government.'

The Waste Task Group has also recommended that any recyclable waste collected during the trial should be transported to a processing point and not land-fill site.

The scheme is due to be discussed further at a committee meeting at the Municipal Buildings tomorrow (Thursday).