The issue will be discussed in a closed section of the December ordinary council meeting on Monday night.

“The issue of the proposed fortnightly mixed waste (red bin) collection under the new 10 year waste service contract has been a source of ongoing concern to many people in the community,” Cr Shields said in his mayoral minute, to be introduced on Monday night.

“I have held discussion with council staff over this matter, including investigating what, if any, options council has to possibly revert back to a weekly red bin pick up given the waste contract has already been signed with the successful contractor JR Richards.

“I seek the support of my fellow councillors in dealing with this important environmental initiative as this matter is addressed...in the a report to the closed section of [Monday night’s] meeting, as this issue relates to an existing contract there are matters which need to be dealt with in a confidential manner between council and the contractor.”

Under the current contract the new green waste bin would be collected weekly and the recycling and general mixed waste would be collected on alternating weeks.

However, residents have the option of paying an extra $40 per year for the mixed waste to be collected every week.

If mixed waste is collected fortnight, the annual waste collection fee would be $378, making it $418 for the mixed waste to be collected every week.

There will also be a $50 annual rebate for pensioners.

The three bin system will be rolled out to Dubbo, Wellington, Geurie, Broklehurst and Wongarbon. People in rural areas and those in multiple dwelling apartments, such as retirement villages, gated estates and apartment blocks, will continue to use the two-bin system.

Cr Shields said he made a promise to investigate the collection of the mixed waste bin as part of his election campaign. The report presented to council on Monday night would provide options for levels of service, he said.