Households in Heanor and Ripley are being asked to take part in what could be the biggest shake up of the recycling and waste collection service across in 8 years. The current contract is up for renewal in June 2013 and an online survey has started that asks people to give their views about possible new collection arrangements, including the types of containers used by the 55,000 households in the Borough, to store what they recycle or throw away.

The five-minute online and paper survey asks people about what methods of collection they would like to see for both their recycling and rubbish in the future. It also asks about how many wheeled bins they would be able and willing to store at their property.

The views will be used to help shape the new service when discussions start with potential new contractors in March 2012. The results of the survey could mean the biggest change to recycling and waste collections since the existing system was introduced in 2005.

The current method in Amber Valley involves putting normal household waste into a wheeled bin or purple bags and recyclable materials, such as tins, glass, paper and cardboard into separate boxes and bags.

Executive Director (Environmental Services), Julian Townsend, said: "We want to discuss with contractors the several possible solutions that could satisfy the need for an efficient, economic and effective recycling and waste collection service. It is crucial to strike the right balance between customer service, the environment and cost, taking into account issues such as convenience, frequency of collection, what materials are collected, how they are collected and their quality. The results of the survey will be given to potential contractors when we meet them for the first time in March"

The consultation, which ends on February 24, also asks residents if the Council should provide recycling bins on the street and public places for products consumed on the go.

Discussions about the new service will continue up to autumn and a final decision is expected in November.

Councillor Jack Brown MBE, Cabinet Member for Green and Thriving Places to Live said: "This survey is the best chance in years for people in Amber Valley to change or keep the way their recycling and rubbish is collected from their homes. Bin and box collections are the most visible front line service we provide. I am sure that people will relish the chance to make a difference to the future of this vital service but we want people's views from the outset of the process as we start to talk to contractors."

The survey can be filled in online by following this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DontWasteYourChance

Paper copies are also available from Town Centre Offices