Haringey Council remain firm in their commitment to fortnightly household waste collection, despite criticism from councillors.

The Haringey Independent exposed today that the council failed to question people in the borough during a consultation asking whether they would be happy to see a 50 per cent cut to their bin collection.

However, cabinet member for environment, councillor Nilgun Canver, says the fortnightly waste collection is encouraging more people in Haringey to recycle.

She said: "Residents support our objectives to cut waste and increase recycling to protect the environment and the future of our young people.”

Since March, the waste collection changes have brought a projected increase in recycling from 260 tonnes to 300 tonnes per week – an improvement of 40 tonnes.

She added: “During the consultation residents asked for more recycling, larger recycling bins and free bulky waste collections, all of which we now provide.

“Despite Lib Dem claims, 75% of household waste is still collected weekly including food waste, plastics, paper, bottles, tins and all dry recyclables.”

The Labour councillor said although some people who do not recycle are having issues with full bins, the council is working with the households to encourage them recycle and support people who are challenged by the changes.

She said the 2009 consultation, which cost £30,053.39 to carry out, is “proportionate” given the £120million value of the contract the council has with waste contractor Veolia.