BROMSGROVE District Council has rejected calls for it to switch to weekly refuse collections during the summer months, claiming it would cost the taxpayer half-a-million pounds.
It comes after residents suggested the idea because of an increase in maggots and other waste-related issues because of the hot conditions over the last few weeks.
It began with a resident posting on our Facebook page about his refuse overflowing with maggots and spilling into the back garden where his 19-month-old toddler played.
That led to a flurry of comments from others who all said they had endured similar problems with one woman stating that the refuse collectors had refused to collect her bin until she had bagged up all the maggots.
And, with some predicting that this month could be the hottest August on record, The Standard has also been contacted by residents calling for weekly collections to prevent heat-related refuse issues.
Stuart Lears, who lives in Breakback Road, posted the original message on our page.
He said: “I called up the council to ask if they could help or collect the bin earlier, but was told there was nothing they could do.
“The smell coming from the alleyway and into the house was disgusting.
“Some councils are suggesting going to three-weekly collections but I think – in the summer months – it definitely needs to be done weekly.”
Another resident, who lives in Walton Road, added: “I have two children – one who is in nappies – and the bin absolutely stinks in this weather. I think weekly collections through the summer months would definitely work. They would not need to collect the recycling weekly, just the grey refuse bins.
“Leaving rubbish to decay in the heat could encourage and increase vermin which will cost the council more in the long-run to sort out.”
Fred Stanley, from Sidemoor, also called for weekly collections throughout the summer.
“There seems to be a lot of flies around at the moment and the bins really stink. Residents shouldn’t have to put up with it. I also think the council should also offer a service for people to have their bins cleaned. They must be able to get machines that can do that.” he added.
A Bromsgrove District Council spokesperson said: “To put the infrastructure, like extra vehicles and crews, in place for weekly collections, even just over the summer period would cost over £500,000 – a bill that the taxpayer would have to foot without the guarantee that we would get such a hot summer as this every year.
“A cheaper and effective alternative is to look after your waste in the hotter weather.
“So double bag food products – or even get a composter.
“Wash out your recyclables so they don’t attract the flies and regularly clean your bins out.”
And she added there were firms out there which offered bin-cleaning services for a nominal fee.
