Wheelie bin users angry contractors won't collect (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Wheelie bin users angry new refuse contractors won't collect

7:50am Tuesday 15th May 2012 in News

Wandsworth Council may have resolved "teething problems" in its new refuse collection service but people with wheelie bins are angry at being told contractors won't collect from them.

Homes using the bins, which have never been approved by the council, have received notices from contractor stating they are "do not have the special lifting equipment needed to empty them safely" and to use refuse sacks or standard dustbins in the future.

One frustrated pensioner said: "What are we supposed to do, buy more bins because they do not have the equipment - is this a service of the 60s in a third world country?

"As a pensioner I can easily move my bin to the front for collection, that will not be possible without a wheelie bin which was expensive already for me to buy, but it helped and kept the foxes from removing the lids on the other type of lower bins."

Elsewhere in London, wheelie bins have been used for years to prevent foxes getting at rubbish with Sutton Council, Kingston-upon-Thames and Hackney all having wheelie bins as mandatory.

But a council spokesman said: "The council has never provided wheelie bins to residents and has always advised against their use.

"Over many years, local councillors have repeatedly voted against their introduction because they have felt that wheelie bins are both an unsightly addition to the street scene and provide unnecessary obstacles on the highway.

"Accordingly, the council’s fleet of refuse vehicles are not fitted with the specialist equipment needed to safely lift and empty wheelie bins.

"And because of their height it is not always possible for collectors to reach in and grab everything that’s left in a wheelie bin. For this reason the council would strongly urge people to use standard sized dustbins with a lid.

"Our refuse trucks have never had the equipment to pick up wheely bins."