Staff at East Hampshire District Council and Winchester City Council are working hard to overcome the initial teething troubles associated with the launch of their new waste collection contract.

The two councils have joined forces to deliver the new service to more than 100,000 households across the two areas.

Since the new contract began on October 17 the councils have been contacted by households that have either put out the wrong bin for collection or have been missed by collection crews.

Brian Turner, Client Team Manager, said: "We introduced the new collection rounds last week and that has thrown up some issues we are working hard to rectify. While the number of calls represents a small number of households we want to resolve these initial difficulties as soon as possible.

"We hope residents who have not had their bin collected will be patient and we apologise for the inconvenience.

"However these difficulties should only continue for the next week or two as everyone becomes familiar with the new system.

"In the mean time collection crews are working hard to clear the backlog as soon as they can."

Anyone experiencing a missed collection is asked to:

• Report it using the on line form at www.working-together.org.uk or by telephoning 0300 300 0013.

  • Ensure they leave their bin out for collection crews rather than remove it

  • Double check their calendars to ensure they have the right bin out on the right collection day. You can find your calendar online using www.working-together.org.uk.

    Once residents have logged their missed bin there is no need to phone again. Collection crews will have their details and visit their property to empty the bin as soon as practicable. Phone lines are currently very busy and extra staff are being laid on to take calls.