TRADERS have been warned not to use household recycling bins for commercial waste -- or risk losing the service.

Blackburn with Darwen Council contractors have collected what they believed to be domestic waste from pubs since the recycling scheme began.

But it was recently discovered some of the bins were used for glass and bottles from the businesses.

The issue was highlighted after a Darwen landlord complained to the council when it stopped collecting his glass recycling bin.

Clifford Critchley, who runs the Cemetery Pub, Cemetery Road, fills his domestic bin with empty bottles and glass and said the council had always emptied the bins every week.

But he said the service was scrapped without warning three weeks ago -- and after calling the council he was told his glass collection bin would no longer be emptied.

He said: "Apparently because I run a commercial premises the glass recycling bins are no longer going to be collected by the council. I pay both domestic rates and commercial rates yet I do not feel I am getting value for my money.

"I was given a recycling bin because I have a bad heart and wouldn't be able to drag the big commercial bin to the roadside. I use it for personal use as well but I don't fill it in any more than anyone else. I've actually not been filling it as much recently.

"I was given no notification that I would no longer be included in the collection and I am not happy about it. I thought the council were wanting to promote recycling yet I'm willing to do it and they won't take it."

But the council pointed out that although it had collected waste from the property in the past, it will not collect the glass recycling bin if it becomes obvious it is being used for business purposes.

Ray Grimshaw, deputy director of direct services, said: "Mr Critchley should have a commercial trade waste agreement to dispose of his commercial waste.

"The council's contractors have been removing bags from the premises under the assumption it was domestic waste.

"However, in recent weeks they have noticed a sizeable increase in the amount being put out for collection.

"This has led us to believe that it is commercial waste. Mr Critchley needs to speak to the providers of his commercial trade waste agreement to arrange its removal.

"The council is looking to establish a trade waste recycling pilot scheme in the near future."