STEPHEN Lewis's feature on the new fortnightly collection plans set out a good account of why we need to reduce the landfill rubbish we put in black wheelie bins (May 19).

However, at the council meeting where the decision was made, opposition councillors, including myself, argued for a trial in one area before rolling out to all the 60,000 households.

Plastics recycling is a particular issue because more than 15 per cent of the volume of our bins is filled with plastic bottles, yet they are not yet included in kerbside recycling.

At the meeting I proposed the change to a fortnightly collection in green bin areas should include a plan to introduce a washed plastics kerbside collection, at least on a monthly basis on a "recyclables day".

If you are concerned about how you will manage with a fortnightly collection here are a few tips:

Leave bulky packaging at the shop once you have paid for the item (the shop will quickly get the message that they must cut down on packaging)

If you have a household appliance delivered, insist the firm takes the packaging away with them (preferably to use again)

Wash tins and bottles as you go with the washing up so that you don't get sticky smelly bins. If you can't compost it, tie up food waste in old bread or carrier bags before putting in your bin.

Try to limit the number of take-aways and "oven ready" meals you buy each week - it will improve your health and save you money.

Choose milk and juices in tetrapacks or have your milk delivered in a reusable glass bottle rather than buying plastic bottles.

Contact your councillor to ask when kerbside collection of plastics will be made available.

Coun Andy D'Agorne,

Green Party,

City of York Council,

Broadway West, York.

Updated: 12:10 Thursday, May 26, 2005