An 800-signature petition protesting against charges for brown bins has been handed over to Suffolk Coastal District Council.

The signatures were collected from across the district – particularly in Felixstowe and Leiston – and organisers said people expressed “disbelief, shock and anger” with many saying they would put their compostable material in with the general rubbish.

Former Labour councillors Margaret Morris and Michael Sharman presented the petition to Carol Poulter, cabinet member for the green environment.

Mr Sharman said the petition provided a snapshot of the feeling among residents.

He said: “Many people will refuse to pay – or will not be able to afford to. Such a charge would increase rubbish in the grey bins and lead to more fly tipping.

“The rubbish collection lorries would still have to travel along the roads – so with some people not paying, the whole operation will be less cost-effective. And this in ‘Suffolk – the Greenest County’.”

Suffolk Coastal is expected to discuss next month whether to charge for brown bins, and has said it would be inappropriate to speculate on what decision might be made by the council.

Some other councils have agreed to levy a charge – expected to be around £50 – but indications are that Suffolk Coastal, which prides itself on its high recycling statistics, could decide to keep the service free.