Blackpool Council issues response to bin collection concerns
The problems were worse in the hot weather, as the longer wait for the bins to be collected led to swarms of flies.
Blackpool Council has responded after concerns were raised by residents that the three-weekly bin and food caddy system brought in this year were directly causing issues with flies and odour.
Some residents felt that larger families with children, households caring for disabled individuals, people with pets and biological women were disadvantaged by the three weekly collections, as their household bin requirements were greater.
The problems were also said to be worse in the hot weather, as the longer wait for the bins to be collected led to swarms of flies.
But the council says that figures not only show that the new service has proved a success because more people are now recycling, but it has received no direct complaints from those different groups said to be disadvantaged.
The new food waste service started in April 2026 as part of the government’s Simpler Recycling initiative, where all councils are encouraged to work towards a recycling target of 65% by 2035.
The new system includes three-weekly cycle bin collections (instead of two weekly) for domestic waste, glass, plastic, paper and card; brown bins instead of brown sacks and homes with wheeled bins receiving a 7-litre indoor kitchen caddy, a 23-litre outdoor food waste bin, with weekly collections.
Concerns were raised at a PACT meeting in central Blackpool which led to chairman Brian Roberts making a number of home-produced fly catchers available for people plagued by swarms of fruit flies and bluebottles.
Mr Roberts said having to wait every three weeks for bins to be emptied is causing real problems for some residents, while he called the food caddies unhygienic.
He said: “This is one of the main issues being brought to our meetings at the moment. People are complaining about an epidemic of fruit flies, house flies and blue bottles. Many say they have stopped using the food caddies.”
COUNCIL RESPONSE
Councillor Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of the Council (Place) and Cabinet Member for Climate Change said: “The new waste collections are part of the Government’s plan for all councils in England to increase recycling rates.
“Early results show a positive increase in recycling, demonstrating that the changes to collection frequencies are encouraging more people to recycle.
“Food waste is collected weekly, more frequently than it was before. Food waste caddies are also designed with lockable handles to help prevent access by pests.
“As far as we are aware have not received any specific complaints from women suggesting that the collection arrangements present a particular issue for them.
“Support is available for all residents with additional requirements or who may be unable to put their bins out due to circumstances such as mobility issues, age or disability. This includes assisted collections.
“Larger households can also request a family waste audit, where a member of the team can visit the property to review the household’s waste and recycling and work with residents to identify a suitable solution.
“Depending on individual circumstances, this may include eligibility for additional bin capacity or advice on how to make the most of the collection service.
“Residents who feel they require additional support or capacity are encouraged to contact the council to discuss the options available to them.”