HOUSEHOLDERS have criticised a new kerbside waste collection service over missed bin collections and confusion over what items can be recycled.

Darlington Borough Council is three weeks in to its alternate weekly collection scheme, which sees general rubbish collected one week and recyclable waste picked up the following week.

About 85 per cent of households have received a second wheelie bin for recyclable waste, with the rest using a large box to collect recyclables.

Since its launch, a number of residents have complained of missed collections and confusion over what can and cannot be recycled.

Father-of-two Craig Jones, who recently renovated properties in Larchfield Street, said his tenant’s household waste bin was due to be emptied on October 7, but two weeks later it had still not been emptied.

In the early hours of Monday (October 20), the bin was set on fire by arsonists, causing about £1,000 worth of damage to a newly rendered wall and new gate.

“She (the tenant) normally brings the bin in the yard. When she asked the council when it was going to be picked up they said they were running behind so she left it in the alleyway,” the 45-year-old said.

“It could have been fatal. I am paying tax on this place and my own home and they can’t be bothered to take the rubbish away.”

A council spokeswoman accepted there had been some teething problems and said that the authority is working hard to address the issues and make the necessary changes.

She said: “This is a major change the council has made to the refuse and recycling service and like all other councils who have introduced changes, it takes time to get used to new system; remembering what goes where and when.

“As residents and staff get used to changes, it is expected there will be issues to work through and resolve.

"As staff get used to the new rounds, unfortunately, there will be the odd missed collection.”

She added: “We are into week three of the changes and on the whole the introduction of the new schemes has gone well. Hopefully, most residents will be getting used to them.

“We appreciate everybody's patience whilst the new service settles down."

To help remind people what to recycle on what days, a label explaining what can be recycled in what container will be placed on top of all recycling bins and boxes from next week.