Widespread missed waste collections in Derby as residents dub it 'bin-gate' | Derbyshire Live

It seems to be down to the fallout from last week's storm

Frustration has grown in many neighbourhoods across Derby after a number of bin collections were missed in the last few weeks.

Councillors from several areas said their bins have not been collected, and pictures shared by residents have revealed growing piles of rubbish on the streets, with locals branding the situation "bin-gate".

Derby City Council has acknowledged the delays, with Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, cabinet member for streetpride, parks and leisure, saying: "Our waste crews are working extended recovery rounds following last week’s severe winter weather, which caused unavoidable disruption to waste collections due to unsafe conditions."

Whilst he added that collection information has been added to the website to ensure residents were kept informed, many councillors have criticised the lack of communication on the council's part.

Phil Ingall, independent councillor for Chellaston and Shelton Lock, said: "The communication from the council has been poor on this issue.

"The council tell us they are going to collect both blue and black bins tomorrow.

"I can’t see that happening if I’m honest. I think it will be into next week before things return to normal."

Gaurav Pandey, councillor for Mackworth and New Zealand, said the main issue in his ward had been the lack of communication on which streets had been missed.

"The council's website no longer displays missed streets for the bin collection, and even after repeated attempts to contact them I've not got anywhere," he said.

"Even this week, a few streets were missed - last week we all understood it because of the weather but this week we can't understand what happened.

"Whenever I report missed bins, they get emptied the next day, but if I can't see online which streets were missed, I can't report it."

Spondon councillor Jonathan Smale added: "It's been almost four weeks since the last collection, which has been frustrating for residents.

"It has just now started to alleviate, and the last few streets are being served.

"As councillors, we can help the council get the info out, but they haven't been forthcoming on this issue.

"The website's system has changed and no longer provides live updates, so I had to go in blind and rely on local intel, which isn't very efficient.

"Once the council gave me the information I needed, I've been able to raise the issue and get it resolved, but that didn't happen until I made a request to senior management."

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha said, on behalf of Derby City Council, that all issues would be resolved within a week.

"We are currently prioritising black bins due to public health considerations, with extra crews and spare vehicles being deployed to clear missed waste and remove additional side waste where possible," he added.

"This is expected to be completed by Thursday, January 15.

“From Friday, January 16, crews will focus on blue bin recycling collections and side waste in affected areas, where resources allow, to prevent further build-up.

"Any remaining recycling will be collected by Monday, January 19, at the latest.

“We are working as quickly and safely as possible to get services back to normal and ask residents to leave their bins out until collected.

"We thank residents for their patience during the recovery period.”