Lewisham is divided over bins as some people are furious that black rubbish bins will only be collected fortnightly from October.

Lewisham Council have delivered the first of the 80,000 food bins to residents ahead of the launch.

The idea is for the people of Lewisham to recycle more but not everybody is happy about this new option.

Caroline Watson wrote on Facebook: “I think it's disgusting that Lewisham Council has made this decision with no consultation amongst its residents. It will lead to more flytipping, stinking overflowing bins and more pests and vermin.”

Jules S AC wrote on Facebook: “This is so dumb our bins are full weekly and what will we do with our extra bin bags.”

Sophie Joy wrote on Facebook: “I'm just dreading all the flytipping and overflowing bins down my road. I do a lot to ensure my street is clean and worked with Lewisham to sort out a bad flytipping situation last year.

“The thought that our street could be ruined again by disgusting rubbish is unbearable. I'm absolutely heartbroken.”

But not everyone is heartbroken by the change a number of people are pleased about the stronger incentive to recycle in the borough.

Sara Thompson wrote on Facebook: “It's brilliant news. We don't need our main bin emptying every week now anyway, as our recycling bin is always full. With food waste it'll be even less.”

News Shopper commenter Virtual-Monster wrote: “I now live in an area where all recycling including food waste is collected weekly and garden waste and black bag (bin) rubbish is collected fortnightly.

“It felt odd for the first few weeks but now I could honestly go 2 - 3 months before I could half fill a wheelie bin with non-recyclables.”

Ali Costerton wrote on Facebook: “I am hoping it means people will be much more diligent about actually recycling and sending less to landfill. Obviously it's a cost cutting exercise, so beef with the Government if anyone, but it could actually be a positive thing.”

Councillor Rachel Onikosi, Cabinet Member for the Public Realm, said: "Our new food waste service will make it easier for Lewisham residents to recycle more.

"In Lewisham 38 per cent of rubbish in black bins is food waste, but if residents recycle, compost or use our garden waste collection service only 11 per cent of their rubbish needs to go in the black bin.

"The new food waste service is another example of our determination to make Lewisham the best place to live, work and learn in London, despite the Government’s decision to cut funding for Lewisham Council by 63 per cent."