CHANGES to refuse services in Monmouthshire come into effect from Monday 23rd February when hygiene and nappy waste will be collected fortnightly with household rubbish, rather than weekly.  

The waste will be taken, along with general rubbish, to a modern energy from waste (EfW) plant which generates electricity.

These changes will result in annual savings of £100,000 which the council will use to protect other services.

There will be no restriction on the number of black and yellow striped bags that residents may leave for collection but they must be used only for hygiene and nappy waste. 

Black and yellow striped bags will continue to be provided by the council and residents should contact their local One Stop Shop when they require a new supply.

Alternately, they can log onto http://www.mapsmonmouthshire.gov.uk/mymonmouthshire.aspx">www.mapsmonmouthshire.gov.uk/mymonmouthshire.aspx

Officers from the council's recycling and waste unit will hold drop-in sessions during the week that changes take place to give advice and guidance on dealing with the changes. These will be held at Caldicot One Stop Shop on Wednesday 25th February, Chepstow One Stop Shop on Thursday 26th February and Monmouth One Stop Shop on Friday 27th February. All sessions will be held from 11am to 1pm.

County councillor Bryan Jones, cabinet member with responsibility for recycling and waste said: "A reduction in expenditure of around £100,000 is money that we can invest in key services as we seek to save £5.8million next year."