A BINMAN has criticised the "unfair" refuse collection rules in Wyre Forest which enables some residents to dump recycling in their general waste bins.

One refuse collector, who asked to remain anonymous, said Wyre Forest District Council binmen are told to collect any amount of rubbish left outside some traveller's sites in Stourport in an effort to "keep the peace".

The worker said: "We have alternate weekly refuse and recycling collections in Wyre Forest - but not everyone is required to follow the rules.

"There are a group of traveller's sites in Stourport that don't have to recycle - they just get their weekly refuse collection and it doesn't matter how many bins they leave out - it could be broken furniture or whatever - and the refuse collectors are told to just take the whole lot to keep the peace.

"We're told to take everything and don't rock the boat as the council doesn't want confrontation.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Most households in Wyre Forest are required to separate their garden, general and recyclable wasteMost households in Wyre Forest are required to separate their garden, general and recyclable waste

"There have been incidents in the past where vehicles have gone into one of the sites and been blocked in.

"It seems unjust when some people are making the effort to recycle and others aren't.

"While the tips have been shut, the volume of waste has gone up, so in these areas that's even more recyclable waste being taken to the incinerator at Hartlebury.

"If other households left rubbish by the side of their bin, we're told not to collect it. If we find garden waste in a black bin anywhere else, the whole thing is rejected. It just seems very unfair."

The refuse collector said the issue was due to be resolved by April 1, but said the problem is ongoing.

Wyre Forest District Council said it was working hard to improve recycling rates.

Cabinet member for operational services Councillor John Thomas said: “It is really important that everyone in the community plays their part in taking adequate responsibility for the waste they produce and the vast majority of residents do.

"We have tried to introduce a recycling scheme in this particular area in the past and we were looking to start a new scheme in April. Unfortunately, the lockdown has meant we were unable to do this.

"As soon as we can, we will be working with the community there to reduce waste and increase recycling.”