CONCERNS have been raised that residents’ three-week waits for green bin collections could lead to East Lothian “looking like a third-world country”.

Members of Prestonpans Community Council discussed pending changes by East Lothian Council to household bin collections.

Residents’ green wheelie bins, used for non-recyclable waste, are currently emptied fortnightly but this will change to once every three weeks from April 1.

The local authority said this reflected an increased focus on recycling – and stressed that a weekly recycling service would continue.

READ MORE: Residents face three-week waits for green bin uplifts

But at their February meeting, members of the community council raised concerns.

Prasun Barman, member of the group, said: “There is obviously a worry that if bins get full, people will just chuck their rubbish.

“East Lothian could look like a third-world country if people are throwing rubbish around.”

East Lothian councillor Colin Yorkston was asked at the meeting whether people would be entitled to, or could request, a second bin. Mr Yorkston said this would not be possible.

Other members questioned whether some households would be entitled to a larger bin due to having more occupants.

DJ Johnston-Smith, chair of the group, said: “I think it would be good for the council to map out who is entitled to larger bins and how you get them.

“It would help make it a bit more clear and could clear up some confusion.

“This is something we as a group could share on our social media pages too.”

READ MORE: East Lothian Council brown bins: £35 annual charge confirmed

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “East Lothian Council provides a weekly household recycling collection service for a wide range of materials including glass, plastics, paper, cardboard and food waste, and we became signatories to the Scottish Government’s Household Waste Charter in December 2016.

“As part of our commitment, we have already introduced a charter-aligned single-weekly service for source-separated recycling and food waste.

“The next stage in the journey is to implement the charter’s recommendations that a maximum capacity of 80 litres per week is provided for non-recyclable waste.

“The changes to the frequency of the non-recyclable waste collection service will fulfil this and enable us to make further progress towards the council plan’s aim to contribute to Scotland’s 70 per cent recycling target by 2025 and further support the ambitions of the council’s climate change strategy.

“Local residents have access to three recycling centres in the county to dispose of excess household waste appropriately.

“Flytipping is an offence and, from January 1 this year, the Scottish Government increased the penalty that can be imposed on illegal dumpers who are caught in the act to £500.”