MOVES to introduce wheelie bins in October to improve Oxford's recycling record have been delayed.

The first decision-making executive board meeting of the new council year on Monday began with an argument between Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors.

Under plans by the previous ruling Labour administration every house in Oxford was to get a wheelie bin in a recycling scheme starting in October.

However, the Lib Dems, who now run the council after May's elections, have put the scheme on hold for further consultation.

City councillor Jean Fooks, executive member for cleaner city, said: "The important thing is that we get it right. The consultation that was done earlier this year produced a lot of disquiet. If we want to have Oxford as a leading recycling authority we have to have people onside.

"It was never all going to happen in October, it's impractical we can't possibly accept that, despite what people have been told. We don't want to rush in half-consulted."

Under Labour's plans every house in Oxford was to get a 240-litre wheelie bin.

Separate recycling boxes would be provided for paper, glass, plastic and garden waste for the city's 52,000 homes.

October's scheme would have worked on the basis that one week non-recyclable rubbish would be collected along with glass and paper in 55-litre green boxes.

On week two, recyclable plastic would be collected from a blue box and garden waste and cardboard from a 110-litre sack.

City council environment officers have estimated that Oxford's recycling rate could jump from the current 18 per cent to between 40 and 45 per cent within 18 months of the scheme starting.

Labour city councillor Antonia Bance, a non-portfolio member of the executive committee, said: "We warned people before the election that the Liberal Democrats planned to delay or cancel the planned improvements to recycling.

"We are surprised that even though they only won nine out of 25 council seats at the last election they have decided to push through their plans which no other party supports.

"Clearly it is not a priority for their administration to improve the amount of rubbish recycled in Oxford."

District councils, like Oxford city, are responsible for collecting waste, while Oxfordshire County Council is responsible for its disposal.

Last year, Oxfordshire recycled or composted 30 per cent of all household rubbish.

But steep increases in targets from the European Union to each member country come into force in 2009. And that could mean the county council paying fines of £150 a tonne, which could mean a total fine of £4.35m for taxpayers to bear in 2009.