A resident claims she feels disgusted after finding fly larvae in her wheelie bin that had gone uncollected for weeks.
Tracey MacKenzie, who resides in Carlton Terrace in Portslade, says the container is teeming with maggots following five weeks without a collection by waste operatives.
The 60-year-old occupant has occupied her ground-floor flat for six years and reports no prior problems with waste removal services.
Waste collectors have skipped her property for five consecutive weeks, according to Tracey. She reports that other bins on her street receive collections but hers is overlooked.
She stated this situation is driving her to distraction.
Tracey claims she has contacted Brighton and Hove City Council by telephone and received confirmation that an operative would attend to empty the container, though this has not yet occurred, leaving her increasingly frustrated.
She and her son have attempted to maintain cleanliness by pressure-washing the area and gathering loose refuse that flows down from neighbouring properties. As occupants of a basement flat, all debris accumulates at their level. However, she believes the situation has persisted too long and warns she will cease maintaining the area if the council cannot fulfil its obligations.
Her son made a stomach-churning discovery in the problematic container on Monday.
Her son observed numerous maggots writhing in the refuse. The excessive quantity has caused bin bags to split and tear.
She says the experience leaves her feeling thoroughly unclean, as no person should have to contend with fly larvae near their home.
Refuse collection services in Brighton and Hove fall under Brighton and Hove City Council’s environmental services division, operating under the Cityclean banner.
A Brighton and Hove City Council representative explained that the bin in question is actually a glass recycling container that had been filled with household waste, resulting in contamination. Standard practice involves operatives reporting such contamination for allocation to a waste collection team. The council expressed regret that this process took longer than anticipated on this occasion but confirmed the bin has since been emptied. The authority stated it is reviewing procedures to ensure contaminated containers receive swifter attention. Residents are also urged to ensure materials are deposited in appropriate containers, with guidance on recyclable items available on the council’s website.