WE live in an area which was one of the last to be included in the Wyre Forest recycling scheme. We are all in favour of the scheme which has been running for approximately six months in our particular area and, therefore, we feel we have given it a fair trial.

However, during the recent hot weather a health issue has risen regarding the new fortnightly emptying of the bins.

As our bin contains a certain amount of waste food matter we have experienced increasing problems with smell, flies and regular infestations of maggots.

At first the smell got to be so obnoxious that we thought we might have a problem with our drains - but this turned out not to be the case.

I would clarify that we always use a black bin liner and wash and disinfect the bin on a regular basis.

This said, the smell appears to linger within the actual material of the bin. About two to three days after the bin has been emptied the smell is back and every time you lift the lid to deposit additional waste, the smell lingers and even enters the kitchen.. As the days progress the intensity becomes worse.

We have now reached the stage of having to pour neat disinfectant into the bin when the smell becomes unbearable, but in the long term this has little or no effect on smell, flies or maggots.

I know the wise/greens will advocate that we try composting. This is all very well if you live in a property with a long garden, where you can position the compost bin well away from the house, but we do not have that luxury.

I am sure we are not on our own in experiencing this health concern/issue and would respectfully suggest that the current collection schedule is reversed, in order to empty the dustbins on a weekly basis and the glass/tins/paper bins fortnightly, which is exactly what they have done with great success in the South Wales area.

NAME AND ADDRESS

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