Binmen in Glasgow have begun working controversial new contracts that result in shifts of four days on and four days off.

That means around 67,000 homes in the city will get their bins collected this weekend for the first time.

However, a union boss has warned there are still plans for a strike ballot over the introduction of the new contracts.

A total of 1,200 staff employed by land and environmental services as parks and roads workers and street sweepers started the new four-on, four-off rota last year. Phase two involves 600 refuse collection staff.

Around 115,300 kerbside collections are carried out each week. More than 17,000 bins will be emptied on Saturday and 16,000 on Sunday.

A link has been set up on the city council’s website that allows people to find out the new collection times for both their green rubbish bins and blue recycling bins.

Householders across the city have also been sent leaflets giving the new collection days.

At the weekend, bins will be collected any time between 7am and 6pm so should be put out before 7am on collection day.

The switch to seven-day refuse collection is aimed at saving money, improving services and protecting jobs.

Jim McNally, executive spokesman for land and environmental services, said “Glasgow is a modern city where a working week no longer necessarily means Monday to Friday, nine to five.

“There is now a demand for some of our services at different times and during weekends while others can simply be provided more efficiently that way.

“In doing so, we can improve the job we do for Glaswegians, make better use of their money and protect good quality in-house jobs.”

Martin Doran, regional organiser of the GMB union, which represents the majority of the binmen, said they had turned up for work this morning to begin their new work cycle.

He added: “There are no problems as they have reported for work and have undertaken all their tasks.

“However, a ballot for industrial action is still very much on the cards. I am in the process of getting all the relevant information so we are not challenged at a later date on the legislation.”

To check when your bin will be collected log on to www.glasgow.gov.uk and follow the link on the front page or phone the council’s customer care department on 0141 287 9700.