The survey, conducted in conjunction with a 10-week trial of the bins in Eastridge, found 76 per cent of the 352 households involved supported, or at least did not oppose the introduction of an organics collection service.

But Mr Shields – who is collecting signatures on a petition opposing the bin – said “that’s not what I’m hearing out in the streets”.

He said some people involved in the trial had told him their responses weren’t taken into account.

Dubbo Regional Council administrator Michael Kneipp denied the claims, and suggested Mr Shields take any evidence he has to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

“I’ve had people that have talked to me that were in the trial but their survey responses weren’t taken into account, so I challenge the legitimacy of that survey,” Mr Shields said.

“One thing’s for certain: if I do get re-elected into council I will be pushing for an investigation into that survey.”

Mr Kneipp defended staff at the former Dubbo City Council and denied survey results would have been altered to make a case for the organic waste bins.

“The survey wasn’t done by council, this survey was done by an independent company so it wasn’t council,” Mr Kneipp said.

“People on council are not corrupt. If there’s belief that there is corruption, the ICAC is the appropriate body to deal with that.

“If Ben has any information that there was rigging of the survey then he should take that to the appropriate authority.”

Tenders to construct a $7 million Dubbo Regional Organic Processing Plant – to process the organic waste – closed last month, and Dubbo Regional Council is evaluating the tenders.

A report will be prepared and is expected to be considered at the June council meeting.

“The case has got to stack up economically, and if it does I’ll certainly give very serious consideration to approving it,” Mr Kneipp said.