Frustrated over recycle bin

I had wondered why, and even tipped it all out and rechecked that it was all within the recycling guidelines. They had taken all of the plastic bags full of recycling goodies from neighbouring houses (they are supposed to reject plastic), but our bin was still avoided. Perhaps plastic bags are easier to sort, and the lorry gets filled quicker with less effort.

I was given the number for the contractor, but after several attempts I still had not managed to get a reply.

Frustrated, I told the council switchboard they should expect my bin on their doorstep, with the contents and a letter etc if it was not collected the next week.

Returning from a break I found that not only had they collected the contents but the bin was also missing.

I am considering my next step.

Councils are governed by the law, just the same as any other business. The services they provide for individuals must be fit for purpose. The fact that they cover a large number of customers does not come into it.

Although the lady on the council switchboard intended to be helpful, I followed her advice only to a brick wall and got nowhere.

The council cannot hand over all of their responsibility to a contractor. The council is ultimately responsible for all of its employees and all of its contractors.

It is called quality control.

In the retail trade we have the Sale of Goods Act, and it is the retailer who is responsible for correcting problems. That is why they take such a big cut of the customers' money.

The council is no different except that we get no choice of supplier.

So, Sandwell Council, can I have my recycle bin back? Can I get it emptied properly in future and will you try to see others do too?

B C Ralph, Pennyhill Lane, West Bromwich.