A major change in Newport's rubbish collections is to be rolled out to another 20,000 households.

Nearly 30,000 homes will now be involved in the 2xRecycling Scheme which means their wheelie-bins will be collected every fortnight instead of every week.

While making their last weekly collections, the refuse crews are putting calendar and advice stickers on the bins of the new participants to tell then when the fortnightly pick-ups begin.

Since the pilot scheme was launched in October 2004, involving 9,000 households, the amount of rubbish collected reduced by 30 per cent while weekly recycling rates rose by 40 per cent.

Residents in Newport are able to take advantage of a number of recycling schemes including the pavement blue and green boxes which are picked up by Wastesavers every week.

Many people also have orange-topped bins which are used for garden waste. Another pilot scheme means some households are able to use these bins for food waste and cardboard as well.

Councillor Ray Truman, Newport's cabinet member for community safety and sustainable development, said: "Before the pilot scheme started in 2004 some people thought they wouldn't manage it, but when they used their recycling and composting services more, they were surprised by how little was left in their rubbish bin on the fortnightly collection days.

"We're giving as much help as we can to help residents work through any initial difficulties and ask that they stick with it to help Newport reach the recycling targets."

Anyone who has a legitimate reason for thinking they will not adapt to the 2xRecycling Scheme should contact the call centre as there may be further advice that can be given.

More information about Newport's recycling and refuse schemes can be found on the council website or by calling the council contact centre.

For further information call 01633 656656 or visit www.newport.gov.uk/recyclefornewport.