First of Ashfield's controversial new bins are delivered

As well as shrinking residents’ grey bins from a 240 litre capacity to 180 litres, a free garden waste collection will be introduced.

Last month more than 7,000 people have signed petitions against Ashfield District Council’s controversial decision to reduce the size of black bins.

The petitions handed in at a full council meeting are thought to be the largest mass correspondence ever with the council over any issue.

Campaigner Darren Harvey and councillors Jason Zadrozny and Ben Bradley presented separate petitions asking the authority not to introduce smaller black bins, use alternative methods to boost recycling and reopen the debate for proper public consultation.

Edd DeCoverly service director for environment at ADC said the new measures would be both environmentally friendly and save residents money,

He said “We are keen to discuss how we work to improve reducing the amount of waste for disposal and deal with residents’ concerns.”

The authority would increase the capacity for people with larger families and medical waste needs, provide support at times of the year when waste increases.