Confusion over a council's new green waste collection scheme has "opened up a hornets' nest" officials said today.

Sacks of garden debris have been left on Eastbourne streets by waste contractors Sita, who refuse to remove rubbish which is placed in the wrong refuse sacks.

Garden waste should be separated from other trash and placed in separate bags but many people are unaware of how the system works.

Councillor Colin Belsey, deputy leader of the opposition Tory party, said: "This new contract has opened up a hornets' nest regarding the green waste situation in our town.

"We now find the previous operators were taking virtually everything left out. By refusing to take green waste not in the correct bags, Sita has achieved the most amazing reaction from the people of Eastbourne.

"I have received lots of letters from people who just don't understand the system."

The introduction of the recycling scheme and seven-year Sita contract directly contributed to most of a 38 per cent rise in council tax this year.

Opposition councillors said residents were unclear how and when green waste was collected and did not know elderly people were entitled to 26 green waste bags free of charge.

Leaflets explaining the process were sent to many households and drop-in sessions manned by Sita and council staff were arranged.

Council members voted to send the problem to its scrutiny committee for a closer look.