Residents at Cwrt Coles in Tremorfa, Cardiff, say a growing pile of uncollected rubbish outside their flats is attracting rats, seagulls and swarms of flies. Some claim waste has not been collected for up to 10 weeks.
Residents report pests and smell
David Power, who lives close to the bin area, said the pile has attracted cats, dogs, rats and seagulls. Others said the smell has started reaching their flats. Residents also described hearing rats around the bins and said seagulls have been spreading rubbish across nearby streets.
Marcy Webbe said: "We have more flies in the flat and I think it's because they're coming from the bins." Another resident, Sudha Talluru, said: "You just feel like you're living next to a dump yard."
Management company and council respond
FirstPort, the management company for Cwrt Coles, said the problem was being caused by non-residents dumping rubbish at the site and that extra waste had placed pressure on the available facilities. The company said it had arranged clearances, carried out regular inspections and used pest control contractors while working with Cardiff Council on longer-term solutions.
Cardiff Council said recycling and glass collections were continuing, but general waste collections had been affected because crews could not safely access the bins due to excess rubbish. The council said crews had encountered issues including loose waste, open nappies and human and dog faeces on bin handles, creating health and safety risks for staff.
It added that a full clearance had previously taken place, but further waste build-up had once again blocked access. The council said it would work with residents and the management company to improve waste management and consider enforcement action if problems continued.
Readers debate responsibility
Commenters on Wales Online offered mixed views. Samantha T asked why residents cannot organise recycling, bag rubbish tidily and clean the area, adding: "The council gets paid to empty bins, not to constantly clean up after people who can't be bothered to keep their own streets tidy." Claire L said a quick look at the contents shows recyclable items, and residents have a responsibility to dispose of waste appropriately.
Jon D said: "The UK has become far too much of a 'me, me, me' society. Sort your rubbish properly, bag it correctly and it will be collected." Angelica D noted that collectors sometimes refuse bins with slightly open lids, leading to build-up, and that 26 flats share just one large recycling bin and three general waste bins.
Mischeif said similar issues have gone on for years at Llanederyn's flats, with "a huge lack of bins for nine flats." Kates suggested communal black bins need weekly emptying, access by non-residents should be addressed with CCTV if necessary, and residents should sort waste properly to avoid contamination. Michelle I said people who dump rubbish should be fined and suggested individual numbered wheelie bins to make residents accountable. Colin D agreed, saying some residents leave ripped bags and make a mess, and responsibility needs to come from everyone.
