CHESTER City Council is asking residents for views on proposals to change the way household waste is collected.

Chester's recycling and waste management contract is due for renewal in 2008 which provides a key opportunity to improve waste collection, increase recycling and ensure all areas of the district receive the same quality service.

A leaflet is being distributed to all houses in the district to explain the options available and invite comment on which collection method they would prefer.

In June 2005, a city council survey revealed that 77% of residents strongly agree that recycling is very important.

The council listened to these comments, along with information from focus groups and a cross-party council members group.

It has looked at examples of best practice from other local councils, such as Vale Royal and Ellesmere Port and Neston, as well as further a field like St Edmundsbury Borough Council, which was top performing authority in 2004/05.

Three options have been developed for the new waste collection service, all of which would provide every home with a collection every week.

Councillor Robert Jordan, portfolio holder for the environment, said: 'We want to hear from our residents and area committees and will use their comments to inform the cabinet decision on the most appropriate service for our district. The cabinet decision will not be made until later this year.

'There is lots of evidence that these options would be effective; other authorities have implemented similar schemes and achieved high recycling rates of 40-50%.

'We are working alongside all party members, other local authorities and key stakeholders to make sure that any plans will be cost-effective, appropriate for the future and deliver quality services to our residents.'