A resident in Bootle is calling for answers from Sefton Council after his bins have reportedly gone uncollected for more than four consecutive weeks. Michael Farrell, 47, who has significant health issues, says the mounting rubbish outside his home is causing distress and creating a health hazard, yet he has received no explanation for the service failure.
Key Takeaways
- A Bootle resident on Condron Road North reports his bins have not been emptied for over a month.
- Michael Farrell, who has multiple disabilities and health conditions, is struggling with the situation.
- Despite complaints, Sefton Council has allegedly not provided a reason for the missed collections.
- The uncollected waste has led to a build-up of nine sacks, overflowing bins, flies, and maggots.
Four Weeks of Unanswered Questions
For over a month, Michael Farrell has been placing his bins out for collection every Friday, only to find them untouched hours later. The 47-year-old, who has lived on Condron Road North since 2023, says the recurring issue is specific to his property, as his neighbours' bins are being emptied as scheduled.
The lack of communication from the local authority has become a major source of frustration. "Our bins are being rejected and we don’t know why," Mr. Farrell stated. He confirmed that multiple complaints have been made to Sefton Council, but no clear reason for the non-collection has been provided.
Council Waste Collection Policy
Local authorities typically have specific guidelines for waste collection, including rules on bin placement, lid closure, and the type of waste permitted in each bin. Bins may be rejected if they are overfilled, contain incorrect items (contamination), or are not accessible to collection crews. However, residents are usually notified of the reason for non-collection via a sticker or tag left on the bin.
Impact on a Vulnerable Resident
The situation is particularly challenging for Mr. Farrell, who manages several serious health conditions. He lives with a learning disability and has significant liver and kidney problems. His health is further complicated by the long-term effects of a brain injury sustained at age three and a subsequent accident at 21 that left one side of his body permanently damaged.
These conditions make day-to-day tasks difficult, and the stress of the uncollected rubbish is taking a toll. "I’m fuming with them now because I’m dealing with a lot," he explained. "I’m fully disabled and it’s a struggle to get through each day and the last thing I need is mounds of rotting rubbish outside my front door."
"The council tax gets paid but when things like this happen you really do wonder why we bother paying it at all."
Growing Public Health Concerns
The accumulation of waste has created an unpleasant and potentially hazardous environment outside Mr. Farrell's home. In addition to two full wheelie bins—one for household waste and one for recycling—at least nine large sacks of rubbish have piled up in his front garden area.
The uncollected waste has begun to decompose, attracting pests and creating a strong odour. "I walked out the other day and the bins are all covered in flies and maggots because they’re not getting emptied and it’s just getting me down now to be honest," Mr. Farrell said. He noted that the pest problem began after the first missed collection and has worsened each week.
Waste Decomposition Facts
- Household food waste can begin to decompose within 24 hours, attracting flies.
- Flies can lay hundreds of eggs in rotting waste, which can hatch into maggots in as little as 8-20 hours in warm conditions.
- Accumulated waste can pose health risks by attracting vermin and spreading bacteria.
Awaiting a Response from Sefton Council
The issue has become noticeable in the neighbourhood, with a local officer reportedly questioning Mr. Farrell about why his bins were not being collected. Without an explanation from the council, he has been unable to provide an answer or resolve the problem.
This ongoing service failure raises questions about the council's responsibility to its residents, particularly those who are vulnerable. For Mr. Farrell, the situation has eroded his confidence in the services his council tax is meant to fund.
Sefton Council has been contacted for comment regarding the situation on Condron Road North but had not provided a response at the time of publication.