Householders on the district's hilly terrain could face problems pushing bins up and down flights of steps for collection when they come into use in February.

But Sita had to overcome a similar problem when it introduced wheelie bins in the Royal borough because of the number of luxury basement flats.

"We will be able to use that experience to judge what's best for householders in Calderdale," said Sita spokeswoman Nicola Dowlen.

Sita is beginning a house-to-house survey to work out which propeties are likely to have problems with wheelie bins in Calderdale.

It is expected to take until Christmas to complete and the first bins are due to be rolled out at the end of January.

Elderly and disabled people will be able to apply for assistance with their wheelie bins but they may have to get a note from their doctor to qualify.

One stumbling block in deciding whether properties are suitable for wheeled bins is likely to be the number of steps involved. Calderdale Council Health and Social Care Panel is looking into this in detail and has already met a Sita representative.

Panel chairman Bob Metcalfe (Lab, Town) said: "There is a lot of concern about how the wheelie bin service is going to operate.

"We hope to make recommendations on various issues to the cabinet in early October.".