THE collection of Bromsgrove's green waste should be stopped and the wheelie bins used for multi-purpose recycling according to a controversial report by Bromsgrove's Labour group.

The report looks at Bromsgrove District Council's recycling and refuse collection provision. It says that the district is the only authority in Worcestershire collecting green waste and suspending its collection would mean huge financial savings. "Removal of the green waste collection service will result in substantial financial saving to Bromsgrove District Council," the report says.

"This will enable the council to promote and install waste reduction methods rather than collection."

The report calls for the green wheelie bins, which are currently used for green waste, to be used to collect all recyclables. The Labour group is also keen to encourage more home recycling and composting.

"Bromsgrove District Council opting for the collection of green waste has jeopardised home composting around the district," says the report.

"It will be a bold move to retract the green waste collection. The essential principal of sound waste management policy is waste minimisation.

"Green waste is the one sector of waste that can be recycled or reused at home.

"Improved capacity within Bromsgrove District Council must now provide a lead in educating residents about their responsibilities for generating green waste."

The report concludes that the council "desperately needs a culture change" to raise awareness of the recycling process, with an emphasis on waste reduction. The head of the council's street scene team, Councillor Margaret Sherry (Con-Furlongs) said: "We've looked at the alternative report and as far as I'm concerned Labour are entitled to have their say. However, they may find that a lot of the matters are already in hand."