Controversial options on what to do with Oxfordshire's waste, including incineration, will now be debated by all 74 county councillors.

However, the final decision will remain with the Tory cabinet. Until now, councillors were not going to be given the chance to debate the issue, but opposition groups will now get to have their say.

The county council will ask for detailed plans on options for disposal of residual household waste beyond 2012 from bidders later this year.

In April, the Oxford Mail revealed 10 waste disposal companies likely to bid for the contract said their preferred option would be to burn non-recyclable rubbish.

There are other disposal methods, but any option is likely to involve an investment of about £100m.

Labour county councillor for Leys and Lye, Val Smith, pushed for an open debate on the controversial issue.

She said: "We would have thought elected members on all sides of the chamber would wish to join us in ensuring they have a proper opportunity to participate in a debate on this decision."

Government fines for missing waste targets begin in 2010 with councils fined up to £150 for each tonne of waste sent to landfill.

With no alternative option for the disposal of waste likely until at least 2012, County Hall is bracing itself for multi-million-pound fines.