BIN collections in Dudley are running late again - four weeks after a new recycling service was launched - with complaints over missed bins, delays and confusion over when waste will be collected.
Residents have reported that collections of the new blue recycling bins, the paper and card bags and food caddies have been delayed or missed since the new system was introduced by Dudley Council.
Some are also struggling to get all of their general waste into the black wheelie bin now that it is only collected every fortnight, leaving bins overflowing.
Sonia Kumar, MP for Dudley, said the implementation of the borough's recycling collection service has been “deeply concerning” and risks undermining public confidence in essential local services.
She said: “Residents across Dudley are rightly frustrated. I’ve heard from people in every part of the constituency who are dealing with missed collections, inconsistent service and a lack of clear communication.
“People understand that changes to waste collection can happen, but what they expect is a system that works. Right now, that simply isn’t the case.
“This is a basic council service. It should be reliable, well-planned and properly communicated. The continued disruption points to serious issues in how this has been rolled out.
“I am calling on Dudley Council to urgently get a grip of the situation, fix the ongoing problems and ensure residents receive the service they are paying for.”
Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles accused the council of waiting ‘until the 11th hour’ to implement its new recycling service, leaving ‘cardboard strewn over the streets’.
She said the council was ill-prepared for new environmental regulations and lacking the vehicles needed to complete the collections.
She said: "Residents have played their part and complied with the new rules. Dudley Council must meet their obligations to residents and provide accountability for their failures on basics like waste collection.”
Local Labour candidate for Castle and Priory ward, Tony Middleton, expressed his frustration at the situation.
He said: “I understand the need to move to fortnightly bin collections - I get it. But why is it always Dudley Council that seems to hash it up?
“Residents are being left with missed collections and no clear answers. The Conservative Council seems to be in denial about the scale of the problem.
“They need to focus on the basics and deliver the services people rely on every week.”
Sonia Kumar MP confirmed she will continue raising the issue with the Council and pressing for immediate improvements, adding that residents deserve “a service that works, not one that leaves them chasing missed bins week after week.”
Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley said: "It’s clear we have teething issues with a brand-new waste service.
"However, compared to neighbouring and other national authorities who have rolled this new service out we are well ahead of the game to resolving these early issues.
"The effort the team are putting in will I believe resolve all issues by mid-May. Compared to the councils up and down the country this is a real achievement.
"At the same time, I would thank the people of the borough for the unprecedented effort they have made to recycle food and other waste which is currently twice the national average. A fantastic effort and thanks.”
Dan Dale the Conservative Candidate for Castle & Priory added: “If this was an effort by Starmer and co to change the bin service, he would be weeks behind not just a day or 2. I find it embarrassing for an MP to criticise this or any other council when they represent the worst government and Prime Minister of all time.”
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