black wheeled bins are being delivered across Malvern Hills ahead of the launch of alternate weekly waste collections.

Over the next few weeks, more than 27,000 black 180- or 240-litre wheeled bins will be delivered, starting with Great Malvern.

Bins will be left at properties’ boundaries by crews from Jett, a delivery firm working on behalf of Malvern Hills District Council.

Households will also receive a collection calendar and a booklet containing important information on how the service works as well as guidance on recycling and waste reduction.

Households not eligible for a wheeled bin, due to their location or other reason, will be sent the information in the post.

Any household expecting bin which has not received one by March 19, should call the waste changes hotline on 01684 862490.

Residents are being asked not to use the new bins until the service starts on Monday, April 2.

Although this is Easter Bank Holiday Monday, collections will take place as normal on that day.

Black bins or sacks will be collected during the first week of the new service, followed by green bins or cherry sacks and then rotating again.

Residents with bins will need to ensure all rubbish is inside as any waste left at the side of the bin will not be collected.

Cllr Bronwen Behan, the portfolio holder for responsible for environment on the district council, said: “Preparations for the launch of the new service are going well and the team has been working hard to ensure we answer any queries residents may have and deal with requests as quickly as possible.

“I’d urged residents to look out for the pack that will be delivered either with their bin or through the post and read the important information it contains.”

A majority of councillors voted last February to introduce fortnightly collections.

This was an alternative to merging the service with Wychavon Council, an option which on examination by the council, proved to be more expensive.

The move will help save the council £250,000 towards its target of saving £1.45million by 2021 due to reductions in its government funding.