Recycle scheme sparks bin thefts

Jul 27 2005 Exclusive By Mike Bradley, Birmingham Post

Panicking families are stealing neighbours' wheelie bins after dark to cope with the rubbish loads they produce since the council's controversial recycling scheme swung into action.

Residents in areas already using the scheme, which aims to recycle household and garden waste on alternate weeks with the aid of green and brown bins, have all put the sudden disappearances down to the fact that 'confusing' recycling plans have left everyone with overflowing bins long before collection day.

Fearing that their own bins are not enough to cope with the fortnights' rubbish produced between collections, law-abiding neighbours are turning law-breakers and stealing those in other gardens.

"It's like something out of Mad Max," said unemployed Paul Nicholls, 42, from Great Wyrley.

"Every man for himself, scavenging after a bin. I've stood in my window after the bin men have been around and seen people running to grab a neighbour's empty bin before their own, and then hiding them both at the back of their houses.

"If anyone asks, they're saying: 'no, I've always had two bins, I haven't seen yours anywhere'.

"The confusion around this scheme has certainly brought out the worst in people.

"If it wasn't all such a mess, it would be hilarious." And in Longford Road, Chris Colter, has woken up to find his garden broke into overnight - and nothing but his wheelie bin taken.

"I suppose people will think I should be grateful that nothing else has been stolen," the 37-year-old builder said.

"But it's annoying. It's obviously got to be someone who lives nearby, otherwise my back garden is a long way to come just to steal a bin.

"If the council would re-organise their collection schedule, maybe this wouldn't be happening. Or how about giving everyone a second bin? Surely with all the council tax we pay, we are entitled to a new bin each, at least."

And Norton Canes resident Barry Alcott, 41, has even resorted to taking his bin indoors at night, away from the eyes of passers-by.

"Just last week, I saw a man walking along the street, pulling a bin behind him. He walked straight down the street pretty sharpish, turned the corner and was off, so

he obviously didn't live there.

"I think it's because everyone is panicking," Barry said.

"There's a feeling that noone really knows how much to recycle, what to recycle and when.

"Everyone is getting a little panicky about it, I think, and no-one believes their bin is going to be big enough to hold a fortnight's waste."

But Cannock Council says the bins are plenty big enough - if the recycling scheme is followed correctly - and neighbours need not turn into thieves.

A spokesman said yesterday: "If any resident thinks their bin may have been stolen, they should report it to the council immediately to arrange for a replacement."

But, he added, there is no chance of every home being equipped with two bins as this would 'defeat the point of recycling'.

"Only households of six or more people are entitled to a second green bin for household waste," he said.

Households which qualify need to write to the Council's Streetcare section so these arrangements can be made.

"Anyone with any inquiries about the collection of household waste, garden waste or their blue kerbside recycling box should call the Council's hotline on 01543 464483."