A Banbury-based Government quango has advised councils not to switch to fortnightly bin collections before the local elections.

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap) told local authorities they should introduce fortnightly schemes in the autumn, winter or early spring in order to ensure they are running smoothly before the summer, when problems with vermin and smells are likely to be at their worst.

Fortnightly collections of general waste have been adopted by up to four in 10 councils in England as part of efforts to encourage recycling, with recyclable items like glass, paper and metal cans being collected on alternate weeks.

But the change has sparked opposition from some householders, including residents in parts of Oxford, who believe fortnightly collections will provide rich pickings for rats, attracted by the smell of rotting rubbish awaiting collection.

In guidance to councils, Wrap, which promotes recycling and other means of improving the way waste is dealt with, said: "The timing of local elections may affect your thinking on when best to introduce the concept to members and to the public.

"As an AWC (alternate weekly collection) is such a high-profile change in service provision, a party in opposition can use the change for political gain.

"This can cause unnecessary public opposition."

Jean Fooks, Oxford City Council's executive member for a cleaner city, who in in charge of recycling, said: "I believe in fortnightly collections.

"The evidence is there that authorities running fortnightly collections are happy with them."