I read with interest an article in the Daily Mirror in early January. The caption ‘Rubbish New Year’ reported Conway Council (North Wales) cut residential bin collections to once a month. This has led to bins overflowing.
People living in Conway fear risks to their health from Rat infestations due to the bins not being emptied for 4 weeks. The trial of monthly bin collections could be rolled out across the UK. In September 2018, Conway became the first Council in England and Wales to start emptying bins only every 4 weeks. This is hoped to save the Council £400,000 per year. The bins had been emptied the Friday before Christmas and would not be emptied again before the 18th January 2019.
Residents of Conway have reported seeing bags of general waste where Rats have been scavenging. This is putting pressure on cash strapped residents to pay for private bin collection reportedly up to £450.00 per year. Or they will need to arrange to attend their local waste management site.
I think its fair to say in the last number of years, Britain has witnessed numerous cut backs in all areas of life. The question to be asked in this case – is this a cut too far?
Why removing the source of food reduces the risk of Rat infestations
From an environmental health point of view, is the saving worth the emotional turmoil a Rat infestation can cause for families? Rats in general scavenge for food. With overflowing bins, this brings them closer to peoples homes. From a Pest prevention point of view, bin collections can have a massive impact on a developing Pest issue. Our 1st code of good practice and advice to any of our customers is always to remove the harbourage and food source . Maybe Local Authorities need to consider working closer with residents to enable this and minimise the opportunities for a Pest problem to develop instead of adding to the problem !
If you have any issues with Rat or Mouse infestations you know where we are. Give us a call