WORK is about to start on a £6.5million scheme to replace old galvanised metal bins in every backcourt in the city.

The three year programme to renew all 50,000 old fashioned rubbish containers at tenements got underway in the North West and will result in collections switching from weekly to fortnightly.

It is hoped the scheme will help householders maintain backcourts and common areas and improve the quality of the environment for residents.

A survey by the city council found thousands of small galvanised bins which are used for general waste are no longer fit for purpose.

Larger replacement bins will begin arriving at around 1900 tenements in the North West on October 16, in the North East from April next year and in the south from April 2019.

Additional blue bins for the collection of paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and empty cans will also be provided where required.

Kenny McLean, the council's neighbourhoods, housing and public realm spokesman, said: "This multi-million pound programme will replace every metal bin from flatted properties with modern wheeled bins fit for modern day purpose.

"The people of Glasgow don't want unsightly backcourts and having better bins and increased storage capacity will encourage residents to recycle more and help keep our city's landfill costs down.

"Improving and modernising waste containment across the city for the benefit of residents is very much a priority at the moment.

"The bin replacement programme will go a long way towards improving environmental standards in all our neighbourhoods."

The council has been working with city housing associations and have already provided them with bins where they have carried out improvements to backcourts.