Bin collection disruption reaches 8 weeks as Kent locals suffer
The chaos started on the 25th of March
Last updated 31st May 2024
It's now been over 8 weeks of bins collection disruption for some residents in Swale, Ashford and Maidstone.
The issues started on March 25th when a new contract was started with Suez Recycling and Recovery UK.
It's believed new routes and vehicles are the reasons for the issues.
As a result, rubbish has been pilling up outside locals' houses and Katie Potter, who lives in Faversham, says it's disgusting.
She said: "I can't think but it must be easily over a month now, probably six weeks.
"I'm just putting on my rubbish in one pile and leaving it outside my property. It's not nice to look at, it could be a health issue when the weather becomes warmer.
"In my food bins there are maggots everywhere, it's disgusting.
"I think they should give us a reduced council tax or sort themselves out, it's disgraceful. We pay for a service and the service isn't there."
Debbie Bird is also from Faversham, she said: "It's frustrating because you don't know what to do with it all.
"I haven't got a car so I can't go to the tip, it's so difficult. It attracts rats and foxes, and despite the complaints, nothing seems to be happening."
In a statement, Swale Borough council said: "We knew there were going to be teething problems, as there always are when undertaking a large change, but the service being provided was not to the standard we, nor our community, expected.
“That is why we, and Suez, apologised to the residents of Swale who have been inconvenienced by the shortfalls of the beginning of the new service.
"Although the majority of residents have received the correct scheduled service, we are continuing to work with Suez to resolve any outstanding issues."