Bins filled wrong way to be left unemptied in Walsall

Binmen have been ordered not to take away any green recycling bins they find to contain the wrong items such as food and household waste, nappies and black bags.

Council chiefs said they had been forced to "take a stand" after a drop in the recycling rate, meaning more cash is being spent sending rubbish to landfill. But some residents have hit out at the scheme.

They are claiming it punishes people rather than encouraging them to recycle.

Earlier this year, the council launched a crackdown on contaminated bins, sending out leaflets and stickers in hot spot areas. But they said the message has not yet got through forcing them to take further action.

Environment chief Tom Ansell said: "We have tried to educate residents with leaflets and stickers on bins but unfortunately people are not taking any notice so we need to take a stand.

"From today, refuse crews will not collect recycling bins which are contaminated with non-recyclables."

Residents will instead have to remove these items and put their waste bins out again on the next collection date.

Councillor Ansell added: "The amount of recycling done in the borough is unfortunately reducing because of the amount of non-recyclable items which are put in the green bins that are contaminating full loads.

"This lack of compliance by many of the borough's residents is costing the council substantial amounts in lost revenue and additional landfill charges and will ultimately have a detrimental effect on other services we are able to provide to our residents."

The main offenders are said to be black bags, general household waste, food waste, textiles, nappies and electrical goods.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "Residents should be encouraged to recycle not discouraged by being punished."