IT was claimed the kerbside recycling boxes and new green bins will only be emptied once a month when the new garden waste collections begin in October (Letters, September 1). This is most definitely not the case.

The new garden waste collections will take place fortnightly on the same day as the kerbside recycling collections.

These will be alternated with collections from the grey, wheeled bin for rubbish that will be sent to landfill sites.

One week the contents of the green bin and kerbside recycling box/bag will be emptied and the next week the grey rubbish bin will be emptied. Waste collected from the green bins will be composted to help the council meet strict Government-set targets which aim to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste we send to landfill sites.

Doing nothing is not an option - if York doesn't meet its targets, we will be fined up to £7 million a year. That's the equivalent of around £90 a year on the average council tax bill.

The council is now considering arrangements for the rubbish collections during the Christmas period. Anyone who finds it difficult to fit the rubbish they want to send to landfill into their grey bin can call York Pride Action Line on (01904) 551551 for help and advice. Any rubbish not presented in the appropriate bin or box will not be collected.

Additional kerbside recycling boxes and bags are available on request. The council will monitor the new collections, and help residents who have concerns.

Finally, the Beckfield Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre was open on Bank Holiday Monday for its normal opening hours of 5pm to 7pm. The opening times of all such facilities can be found on the council's website at www.york.gov.uk/waste

Kristy Walton,

Head of waste strategy,

City of York Council,

St Leonard's Place, York.

Updated: 08:52 Saturday, September 03, 2005