FREE food waste bins are now available as Swansea Council prepares to overhaul our rubbish collection.

Council chiefs want to ensure everyone has one of these green bins before the changes happen.

Black bin bags will be collected fortnightly from September onwards, putting the onus on householders to dispose of their food scraps using the bins, which will be collected weekly, with contents transformed into free compost.

The authority admits there's still work to be done, especially for people living in apartment blocks where the bins aren't well suited and have yet to be distributed.

In April, free liners will be provided for the first time to kitchen waste bin households. People living on hard-to-reach streets will be offered a compost bin to deal with their kitchen scraps.

Reaction to the new rubbish collection system has been mixed.

Some people say they don't want to be dictated to about their rubbish, while others accept a rising proportion of waste needs to be recycled.

Another group has called for wheelie bins.

Concerns have also been raised about insecure food waste bin lids and sloppy collection by refuse workers.

Luke, of Tycoch, claimed half of the bins were already unusable on his street, but also said: "When we first got our food waste bins it made me realise just how much money I was wasting every week on food."

Vicky, of Carmarthenshire, said the waste collection scheme in her county — similar to the one planned for Swansea — was running okay. "It works fine, and helps to keep some waste out of landfill as all the food waste is composted," she said. "Come on you lot, give it a go."

The Assembly is seeking powers to set increasing recycling targets to counter ever-decreasing landfill allowances.

Paul, of Morriston, said: "Does this mean even more diesel-polluting, curb-crushing lorries driving down narrow streets?"

Residents can call the council on 01792 635600, email the recycling team at recycling@swansea.gov.uk or visit the council's website.

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk