EXPERTS met in Winchester to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of collecting non-recyclable waste every fortnight instead of each week.

The system already operates in some parts of the city, and villages north of Winchester.

City council data suggests that recycling in the pilot area has risen from 18 to 40 per cent.

However, the authority is steeling itself for a possible backlash from residents about the new collection times.

The changes, where non-recyclable waste is collected every 14 days instead of seven, are due to take effect across the whole district next month (July).

Before they are introduced, council chiefs have decided to look again at the issue.

A panel of councillors, senior officers and health experts are holding four meetings this month before the changes are made.

The first one took place at Winchester Guildhall on Monday. It was designed to outline the main issues of the scheme, and the aims of the next three meetings.

Members received advice from Dr Iain Blair, director of Hampshire and Isle of Wight health protection unit.

He stated that if the districts' bins - which usually have a 240-litre capacity - started overflowing then residents should make more effort to compact their waste.

"If people are filling the bins too rapidly then they really need to look at how they're doing it."

Dr Blair added that feedback from residents in the pilot area had actually been quite positive.

"I'm struck at the number of people who are happy with the process," he said.

Residents are being invited to put forward their views about the changes, and will be able to lobby the panel.

It is holding a public meeting at 6.30pm on Monday, June 18, at Winchester Guildhall.

Those who want to address the panel need to contact Niki Brown at the council on 01962 848165.

Alternatively, they can write in with comments, which need to arrive by Friday, June 15. The address to send them to is ABC Special Advisory Panel, Winchester City Council, City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester, SO23 9LJ.

Residents can also e-mail comments to ABCPanel@winchester.gov.uk.