Houses across Cornwall could be given separate caddies specifically for food waste in 2020 as well as new wheelie bins or seagull bags if proposals go ahead.

The proposals by councillors come just months before bidding is due to start for a new contract for waste collection and cleansing services.

Dominic Fairman, vice chair of the council's neighbourhoods committee, said: "Our resident surveys and anecdotal evidence tells us that waste and recycling collections are important to our residents - and the types of container we issue has a big impact on whether or not people recycle,

"As most of us will also know, not using a bin or covering bin bags on collection day contributes to street litter as animals such as seagulls do break open bags to get to the contents. It's important our recommendations are based on evidence that supports helping people to recycle more and improve the environment."

On Thursday (May 24) councillors recommended that each household should be given two separate food waste caddies, one indoors and one outdoors. They also recommended that new wheelie bins or seagull bags be issued depending on which is more appropriate for the area.

Contractors will be bidding in a few months' time to provide waste collection and cleansing services to Cornwall from April 2020. The final decision on the new contract will be made by the Council's Cabinet in December 2018.

Sue James, council cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: "This is one of the biggest waste collection contracts in the country and it's important that we get it right when going to the contractors,

"The contractors will need to know what we think will work in Cornwall, but equally we've got to listen to the industry."

It is estimated that around 71% of Cornwall's 250,000 domestic households could be issued with a wheelie bin, with the remaining 29% being able to use a seagull proof sack or communal waste bin. The cost of issuing households with new bins is estimated at around £4million.