FORTNIGHTLY collections for non-recyclable waste could be introduced as Bromley Council looks to cut the amount going to landfill sites.

A council report argues that because the Government increased landfill tax considerably, it has to look for new ways to manage the borough's waste.

Its recommendations include a new weekly food waste and newspaper collection. Glass, cans and plastic bottles for the green box would continue to be collected every two weeks.

Non-recyclable waste would only be collected once every two weeks.

Portfolio holder for environment and leisure, Councillor Colin Smith, said: "Residents can be assured that every measure will be carefully thought out and looked at from experiences from elsewhere.

"What Bromley will never do is have fortnightly collections for all waste. That is not a route we would ever take."

The Tory councillor said that residents would not be left with waste that could smell and attract vermin, which is why the weekly food collection would be introduced borough-wide.

He said: "People are very keen to do their bit.

"We realise that some people will ask questions and some will be ardently against it but we take the view leadership isn't about taking the easy decisions.

"All this is the reconfiguration of recycling and residual waste."

It is suggested that the new plan would be phased in over a period of time, aiming to be complete by October 2009.

There have been 4,833 properties taking part in a weekly food collection trial so this would be extended to all 31,000 properties.

The estimated cost of changing the waste collection system would be £1.73m. The Waste Collection Options report is due to be discussed at a meeting on May 28.