HOMEOWNERS will be charged when their grey wheelie bin is no longer fit for purpose under new charges being introduced.

From November, residents will be charged £28 if their bin is damaged or no longer usable through wear and tear ­— and a £10 bill for new and replacement recycling bins.

The charges are being introduced despite concerns Bolton’s recycling rate may fall if residents do not ask for the right bins ­— and there may be an increase in ‘incidents’ between bin delivery crews and residents who are unhappy about having to pay for a new or replacement bin.

The controversial proposal was raised earlier this year but was thrown out over fears it would place an added financial burden on families.

Town Hall chiefs have stressed they are exploring ways to help those who have money difficulties.

Previously worn out grey bins and recycling bins were replaced for free ­— around 360 grey bins and 15,000 recycling bins a year. But severe financial pressures mean the council cannot afford to do this any longer.

The council hope the new charges will encourage residents to take ‘ownership’ of their recycling bins.

Officers said in a report: “There is a lack of ownership for bins and it is apparent that the service is removing many abandoned and contaminated recycling bins as a result.

"It is important that residents taken ownership of their recycling bins and use them correctly.”

Cllr Adele Warren, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environment Services Delivery, said: “I understand that introducing charges like this will never be popular and it is not something we want to introduce.

“However, as many Bolton News readers will know, the council is in a really difficult financial position, which is why the option of charging came back for approval - this will help save the council around £90k a year.

“We do understand people who are in real financial difficulty may be concerned about how they would pay any additional fees, and we are looking into whether we can apply discretion in particular cases. Most other authorities in Greater Manchester charge an admin and delivery fee for replacing damaged bins due to wear and tear.”

She added: “The council needs to make £23.5m savings by 2021, and we are now having to look at savings of almost £40m the following year. There are difficult times and decisions ahead of us.”

The charge would not apply to bins which enter the waste truck accidentally .