A 'CLOSED lid' policy for bin collections is to be introduced by South Lakeland District Council.

The move, which is part of a range of measures being introduced to improve the efficiency of the council's waste collection and recycling policy, comes after an audit revealed that 75 per cent of 'side waste' was recyclable.

SLDC have pointed out that householders can request additional recycling boxes and bags if required so it is hoped the new ruling will not prove problematic.

The policy has also been revised to include charges for providing boxes and bins to new developments and an extension of the six week winter green bin collection lay-off to 10 weeks, during which 'grey bin' collections will continue on the usual fortnightly basis.

In addition, assisted collection arrangements will be made available for those who have trouble transporting their bins to the agreed collection points.

Council chiefs say the new polices will produce a net saving of £35,000 a year.

“The whole ethos of this is not about taking a dictatorial approach but educating residents about our recycling service and supporting them to minimise the amount of waste going to landfill and increase recycling performance," said Cllr Dyan Jones, portfolio holder for the environment.

“These small changes in this policy will generate savings but more importantly will encourage some residents to take on more responsibility for their waste, which will benefit us all.”