Load of rubbish! Residents hit out over missed recycling and bin collections in Sandwell

Residents say refuse workers have failed to collect rubbish and recycling over the past six weeks.

Serco, which is contracted to collect the rubbish, has blamed staff shortages over Christmas.

But residents have branded Sandwell's bin service "unacceptable" and questioned their use of council tax.

Rubbish will 'attract vermin and foxes'

Jill Turner, 60, from Wednesbury, said: "The refuse workers came and emptied the normal grey bins yesterday, but the food bins and the recycling bins - which are the most important - haven't been collected again.

"If the food bins remain out, it will attract the vermin and foxes."

Wayne Trinder, a community campaigner, added: "I've emailed David Stevens (the chief executive) at Sandwell Council as this is happening every week now and it is not acceptable. Food waste will encourage rodents."

There was also anger on social media, with Lee Mason saying: "It is a joke, paying over £100 pound council tax, but they can't even empty a bin every week."

Jessica Burns said: "We never get our recycling bin done anymore on a Monday as it used to be. It is always a few days late now.

"And to think we pay full council tax for a service that we do not get. It’s different if you pay a day late with council tax though."

Tracie Tonks-Bull added: "We’re literally overflowing with recycling after not being emptied."

Refuse collectors have staged unofficial strikes since November, leading to rubbish piling up on the streets.

Sandwell Council should 'get a grip'

West Bromwich West MP Shaun Bailey said Sandwell Council should put the service out to tender if things don't improve.

He added: "When residents pay council tax, they expect services to be carried out, like the collection of bins.

"This has been going on at least six times [over the past month].

"It is about time Sandwell Council gets a grip on this.

"For some families this is turning into quite a big issue."

Serco issued a statement apologising for the delays and said the service should return to normal next week.

A spokesman for Serco said: “Due to significant staff shortages over the busy Christmas period and the extra waste generated over Christmas, the decision was taken to prioritise domestic waste collections while making efforts to collect recycling where possible.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and ask that residents leave their bins out for collection and we will get to them as soon as possible.

“We are working to catch up on all missed collections, including domestic waste and recycling.

“We anticipate it may take until the end of next week to complete and return to a normal service.

“Serco thanks staff for their continued efforts.”