Walsall Council shares two tips open for Birmingham residents amid bin strikes

Walsall Council has opened up its two Household Waste and Recycling Centres for Birmingham residents in response to the ongoing bin strikes.

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The two tips managed by Walsall Council, Fryers Road and Merchants Way, will both be open to Birmingham residents between 6pm and 8pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Birmingham City Council declared a major incident over the ongoing bin strikes on March 31.

Taken by LDR Rachel Alexander
Permission for use for LDR partners — Taken by LDR Rachel Alexander Permission for use for LDR partners

Over 350 workers began walkouts in January, escalating to an indefinite strike on March 11.

The strikes are in response to the removal of the waste recycling and collection officer (WRCO) role. Unite says around 150 workers will lose £8,000 each as a result.

An enormous pile of bin bags and rubbish in Balsall Heath on Tuesday, April 1. Credit: Alexander Brock. Permission for use for all LDRS partners.

Mounds of waste have been piling up on the streets across the city, with residents reporting sightings of ‘cat-sized rats’.

Unite says the dispute will continue unless the pay cuts to bin collectors are reversed.

A pile of bin bags in the Selly Park area of Birmingham. Credit: Alexander Brock. Permission for use for all LDRS partners.

Leader of Walsall Council, councillor Garry Perry, said the authority ‘was proud’ to support its neighbouring council.

But others have suggested that the move undermines the efforts of the striking bin collectors.

The additional opening hours will be available to Birmingham residents only, and proof of residency will be required.

Walsall Council will bill Birmingham City Council the full costs of the support, including the operation of the HWRC sites and the disposal of the waste.

Councillor Perry said: “Our priority as an authority will always be to serve our residents in Walsall, but we are proud to be able to offer support in difficult times where we can.

Pic taken by LDR Rachel Alexander
Permission for use for LDR partners — Pic taken by LDR Rachel Alexander Permission for use for LDR partners

“To ensure uninterrupted services for Walsall residents, we cannot put forward our waste crews or specialist vehicles to help in Birmingham.

“However, we have offered to extend the opening hours at our HWRCs (Fryers Road and Merchants Way) by two hours across two days per week.

“This period would allow Birmingham residents with proof of residence to dispose of their waste.

“By extending our opening hours, we ensure our regular services will remain unaffected. All costs for the proposed support will be recovered in entirety.

“For any use of our facilities, the requirement for proof of residency remains in place. This can include driving licenses, council tax letters and utility bills.”

Unite has been approached for statement.