Waltham Forest bin collection changes raise vermin concerns

The town hall decided last October to change bin collections. They are now starting the new schedule for black bins, which hold non-recyclable waste. This affects people not living in flats.

The council thinks recycling will improve because about 85% in black bins could be recycled. Most London areas already do this, but some locals worry about smells in summer. They fear uncollected bins will “go bad,” which might cause a nasty smell near homes.

The borough uses four different bins: a black bin for normal rubbish, a green bin for recycling, and a brown bin for garden waste. The council added a food waste caddy last year due to new rules. Now, black bins get collected every two weeks, but this is only for houses, not flats.

Recycling bins still get collected weekly, and food waste caddies are also on a weekly schedule. Garden waste bins remain on the two-week schedule. People shared concerns on Facebook, calling the idea “dumb.” Some fear more pests and bad smells, while others think fly-tipping will increase and foxes might make a mess too.

One person said they were paying more but getting less. A residents group agrees summer will be worse, stating that uncollected waste attracts rats and foxes fast, leading to rubbish being spread across the street and potential illegal dumping.

A council leader says they collect more bins overall, counting the new food waste collections and aiming to recycle more in Waltham Forest. The goal is to be net-zero by 2030. About 85% of waste is recyclable now, going in the green bin or food caddy, alongside collected garden waste.

Most UK councils collect less often than weekly, with around 259 of 295 councils using slower schedules. The council leader believes these areas recycle well. A politician said they would have kept weekly collections and wants money to prevent extra mess.

The council’s budget doesn’t address more fly-tipping, but an environment director said they don’t expect it. However, they are ready if it happens and are reminding folks to report dumping. Fly-tippers face a £500 fine right away, and officers patrol at night searching for illegal dumping. The council wants to keep the area clean, with the new changes starting in late March.