Birmingham bin strikes: When will my bins be emptied if bin strikes are extended until summer?

Workers are furious over proposals to scrap a job role affecting 170 binmen which amounts to a pay cut of around £8,000.

The strikes have been taking place on and off for over two months but the union has warned that the strikes couldnow stretch into the summer as the all out indefinite strike got underway on Tuesday (March 11). At the moment, no date has been given for when the strikes could come to an end.

Binmen also object to claims Birmingham City Council used agency staff to fill the gaps left by the striking workers. Around 350 binmen will begin an indefinite all-out strike on Tuesday with plans to continue industrial action into the summer.

More than 4,000 desperate residents have signed an online petition calling the Labour-run city council to resolve the dispute. Locals say swathes of Sparkhill, Aston, Balsall Heath and Selly Park, are already being overrun by rats feasting off rubbish and rotting food.

What to do on bin strike days - city council advice

Recycling collections are suspended every day during industrial action so do not put your recycling bin (blue lid) out for collection.

A council spokesperson said: “Put your household waste (grey lid) bin out on your normal collection day. If it is not collected, leave it out and we will collect it as soon as we can. Recycling collections are suspended every day during industrial action so do not put your recycling bin (blue lid) out for collection.”

The escalation of the industrial action means the city council will be implementing further changes for residents:

resources will be stretched and will be focused on the city council’s housing blocks and houses of multiple occupation. Assisted collections will continue.

What should I do with my recycling?

Recycling collections are suspended every day during this period of industrial action. If you can, take your recycling to a Household Recycling Centre where it will be recycled correctly.

The council will still take a reasonable amount of side waste, including recyclables, which are in black bin bags and neatly positioned next to your household waste wheelie bin.

Find out more on the city council website here.