An online petition has attracted more than 1,200 signatures following reports of an “alarming rise” in pests and piles of rubbish. Alexandria Community Council has also raised concerns after gathering views from residents and has sent letters to all councillors, stating there is “great concern and anger”.
Changes to collection schedule
The campaign comes after West Dunbartonshire Council changed the bin uplift schedule in November last year, from a two-week cycle to a three-week cycle. There are two recycling pick-ups and one general rubbish collection within each three-week cycle, with the local authority stating that the changes were required to boost recycling rates.
The petition reads: “In the heart of our community, the streets of West Dunbartonshire are no longer as vibrant and clean as they once were.
“The decision to reduce bin uplifts has left our neighbourhood struggling with overflowing rubbish bins, and the impact is visible to residents and visitors alike. We are facing an alarming rise in the presence of vermin, a direct consequence of accumulated waste, which poses serious environmental and health risks for everyone living here.
“The reduction in the frequency of bin uplifts has taken a toll on our community.
“Rubbish piles are seen on streets, in gardens, and even across play areas where children once safely played. This unsightly and unhygienic environment is not only detrimental to our quality of life but is also harmful to our health, as the increasing vermin problem threatens our homes with pests that carry diseases.
“Local reports and resident testimonies confirm that this issue has compounded since the cut in bin collection services.
“A significant number of residents have expressed increasing concerns about hygiene and the escalating vermin infestation. Research clearly indicates that frequent waste removal is crucial in controlling pest populations and maintaining urban health standards.”
Call for reinstatement
The petition calls for fortnightly general bin collections to be reinstated, explaining: “We understand the need for budget constraints and efficient resource allocation, however, the health and safety of the community must remain a priority.
“By reinstating fortnightly bin uplifts, West Dunbartonshire Council has the opportunity to safeguard public health, restore pride to our beloved community, and take a proactive stance on environmental responsibility.
“We propose that the council re-evaluates the current waste management strategy, considering the overwhelming evidence and resident feedback. Community health and safety, as well as environmental sustainability, should be guiding principles of our local government decisions.
“We urge West Dunbartonshire Council to take immediate action to address this pressing issue by restoring fortnightly bin uplifts. It is vital for the wellbeing of our community and for the future generations who will live here.”
Community council concerns
In their letter to councillors, Alexandria Community Council says it collated responses from residents in Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven. Concerns raised included a rise in vermin, communication issues over bin replacements, missed collections and claims of refuse bin thefts.
The letter reads: “Alexandria CC are aware of the limitations that WDC are working under (including landfill availability and costs) and that the local authority is not the first to implement the three-week refuse schedule.
“However, we cannot ignore that the majority of almost 100 residents who took part in the reviews collation demonstrates great distress and lack of trust which needs to be taken seriously.”
Councillor David McBride has responded to the letter stating that missed pull-outs and bin replacement delays were due to route changes introduced at the same time as the collection changes. He defended the move, saying that recycling rates have since improved and landfill disposal savings have been made, stating: “Although we do not yet have finalised figures, the early indications are that residual waste has reduced significantly since the change and recycling rates have increased.
“This is clearly positive for both the environment and the council’s finances.
“Every tonne diverted from landfill reduces disposal costs and those savings can be redirected into other essential services.
“Food waste collections also remain fortnightly, which helps address concerns around hygiene and odour.
“Given the above I wouldn’t support any reversal of the policy.”
A council spokesperson said: “There is no evidence to suggest an increase in vermin as a result of a change to the collection schedule.
“While we are disappointed that some residents are unhappy with the change, data shows the majority are embracing the new collections, with their efforts already achieving significant improvements to area-wide recycling rates.
“This includes a 19 per cent increase - equivalent to 520 tonnes - in recycling of paper, cardboard, plastic, cans and tins since November.
“As well as environmental benefits, this significantly reduces disposal costs paid by the council.
“We appreciate change can be difficult, and as well as continuing to provide guidance to support and encourage residents to dispose of their waste correctly and responsibly, we are monitoring uptake to ensure targeted assistance if required.”
Sampling undertaken during previous collection schedules showed that up to 70 per cent of items placed in the general waste bin could have been recycled.
