NORTH Ayrshire Council have looked to clear up a situation which has left many residents confused.

Many locals have claimed the council have made "a simple thing complicated" when it comes to obtaining replacement bags for their food waste caddies.

These caddies are lined with compostable/biodegradable bags - with food waste to be emptied into these, before being added to your garden waste bin.

Though issues have arisen for many when they are running low on bags - and seeking a new roll.

North Ayrshire Council's website states: "When your supply of liners is running low, tie an unused liner to the handle of your brown bin on collection day.

"If our crew has a new supply available, they'll place them in the emptied bin."

However many say they feel this is no longer the case, and that they never seem to be able to receive replacement bags using this method.

On social media, one local resident claimed: "According to bin man today you now need to contact the council's website."

One response also alleged that "it's down to health and safety that they can't carry the boxes of bin liners in the cab".

Many others reported a similar issue, stating they have now opted to buy their own instead.

Though others added that they had found alternative ways of obtaining replacement bags from the council.

One said: "I phoned council today and ordered the green bags they will deliver them to me."

While another commented that they had previously been able to pick these up from their local library.

So what exactly is the case when it comes to replacing your food waste bags?

We contacted the council, and were informed of the exact guidance on this.

Per their website, they say the waste collection crew will leave food waste bags at properties, should they have some left in the cab.

However, they added that there is a high demand for food waste bags and crews run out of bags very quickly.

The council added that for health and safety reasons, the crew are limited with the number of bags they can carry in the cab and that the cab is a small space for driver and crew and they can only take a limited amount in the vehicle.

Therefore, they say some of the aforementioned advice that has been given out to locals is correct.

A spokesperson confirmed that should the crew not be able to leave bags at the kerbside, customers can contact the council directly to deliver or alternatively collect bags at a customer service centre.

For more information on food waste recycling, visit the council's website here.

General enquiries to the council can be made by phone (01294 310000) or via email (contactus@north-ayrshire.gov.uk).