Councillors clash over bin collection delays

Leading Dudley councillors clashed over continuing delays in waste and recycling collections which put unexpected strain on services.

The authority introduced new food waste collection and recycling services at the beginning of April but the roll out has been dogged by problems with uncollected bins leaving residents and councillors fuming.

Dudley’s Labour opposition deputy leader, Cllr Shaukat Ali, wrote to Conservative cabinet member for neighbourhoods, Cllr Damian Corfield, asking why collections were not back on track.

In his letter, Cllr Ali said: “What is particularly troubling is the reassurance you gave at the Full Council meeting on Monday 13th April, in response to a direct question from my ward colleague Cllr Adeela Qayyum. 

“At that time, you stated that collections were only running a day behind schedule. A further week on, residents are still experiencing missed collections across multiple waste streams.

“This discrepancy between assurance and reality has understandably eroded public confidence and raises serious concerns about oversight and accountability.” 

Cllr Corfield hit back in an email to Cllr Ali saying his statement in the chamber was an ‘honest and clear’ representation of the situation.

Cllr Corfield added: “It is not true to say ‘residents are still experiencing missed collections across multiple waste streams’ – I am disappointed at this misrepresentation, as it seems to purposely exaggerate the situation.” 

Cllr Ali denies misrepresenting the situation, in a response to Cllr Corfield he described the allegation as unfair and unhelpful.

Cllr Ali said: “My correspondence has reflected exactly what residents are reporting — repeatedly, consistently, and with considerable frustration.

“If you were to speak directly with those affected, I am confident you would hear the same concerns.”

Dudley Council says three quarters of its collection services are running on schedule and 95 percent of residents in homes without communal areas have received new bins and deliveries are continuing.

A spokesperson for Dudley Council said: “Since commencing the roll out earlier in April, we have collected approaching 800 tonnes of food waste as of 30 April 2026 and currently estimate an increase of 25-30 percent in our dry recycling collections. 

“It is likely the borough’s recycling rate will dramatically improve from the previous service once all figures are in and finalised. 

“We have had an incredible uptake and response from our residents, who have clearly been inspired to increase their recycling following the roll out of the new service. 

“We are delighted to see such a huge response. The food waste service has far exceeded the national average and the amount of cardboard presented has been above expectations especially as this takes a long time to collect in large quantities, and process in a compaction based vehicle.”

In response to fears waste left out for collection could be a health hazard, the spokesperson added recycling left in in appropriate containers would not cause hygiene or public health problems.