Reducing black bag collections to once every three weeks and a cap on the number of sacks per household are among new waste proposals to be discussed at County Hall this week.

Black bags could be limited to one a week per property if potential changes to Pembrokeshire’s refuge system are given the green light.

A report by Richard Brown, Head of Environment and Civil Contingencies, also suggests greater collaboration between Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion County Councils, in a to reduce the cost of waste management services in the future, while delivering the same, or better, standard service.

Mr Brown said: “The council provides a comprehensive and high- performing package of waste and recycling services to residents.

“However, future challenges to the service including severe budget pressures and stretching performance targets make it essential that the council considers options for future change to service delivery approach.”

One option put forward in the report is a three weekly residual waste collection, with a three sack limit, or to impose a two sack restriction on the current fortnightly collections.

The suggestions have already come under fire from a number of local residents who took to social media to question whether the proposals were a hoax. Others feared the changes could lead to an increase in fly-tipping, odours and rats.

One visitor to Facebook page Our Pembrokeshire stated: “I think it's disgusting, will be hard enough for us but don't know how large families will manage! What are they going to do if people put more bags out? Are they going to leave them in the street for the seagulls to rip open etc? Surely that will just be more work for street cleaners. I literally can't believe it.”

The report adds that Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire waste services have a history of joint working, and further partnership could make significant savings.

The report states: “By working with CCC, the council has the potential opportunity to deliver services more efficiently and at a lower cost to the authority (typically 7% -15% of net budget).”

Funding cuts mean a total of £1.2million needs to be saved in the Waste Service over the next four years.

The report states the council currently has the second highest recycling performance in Wales with a recycling rate of 64.9%in 2015/16, which exceeds the statutory target, but adds it needs to continue to reduce costs, while increasing recycling rates.

Members of the Policy Overview and Scrutiny Committee are due to consider the report on Thursday, and are expected to offer feedback on the options for Cabinet discussion.