The British Army has been called in to assist with a growing waste crisis in Birmingham, where ongoing bin strikes have led to an infestation of rats and other pests.
For weeks, Birmingham residents have faced an escalating rubbish problem, with over 17,000 tonnes of uncollected waste piling up on streets. This issue began after a strike by members of the Unite union, protesting the council’s plans to cut some bin collection and recycling roles. In response to the growing crisis, the city declared a major incident.
While soldiers will not directly clear the rubbish, they have been deployed to assist with logistical support behind the scenes. According to MailOnline, the government has sent office-based military personnel with operational planning expertise to help Birmingham City Council manage the situation more effectively.
A government spokesperson explained, “The government has already provided a number of staff to support the council with logistics and ensure the response on the ground is swift to address the public health risks associated with this situation.”
The crisis has worsened as the strikes show no sign of ending, with some predicting they could continue until summer. In the meantime, residents have reported an alarming increase in pests, including rats and cockroaches. Pest controllers are working overtime to manage the situation, but the problem is only intensifying.
Local residents have expressed frustration, with many refusing to take out their bins due to their overwhelming fullness. Michael Hunt, a central Birmingham resident, shared, “I won’t be putting out any of my bins until they’re all emptied. I’ve been told a private contractor will take care of it today, but if the rubbish stays out there longer, the smell will get worse, and people will start leaving their trash next to the bins.”
Pest control experts are also seeing a significant increase in demand. William Timms, owner of WJ Pest Solutions, noted a 75% rise in callouts, warning that the situation is likely to get worse before it improves.
