Bin collections in strike are a 'postcode lottery'
BBCResidents claim there has been a bin collection "postcode lottery" during the strike in Birmingham, with some areas having bins collected more often than others.
A reduced fleet of trucks has been rolled out along with mobile household waste centres, but people in areas like Small Heath claim they are being ignored.
Unite the Union claimed refuse workers had reported that waste managers were concentrating on clearing "more affluent, less built-up areas" because collecting rubbish was "easier".
Birmingham City Council said disruptions were down to Unite blocking refuse trucks from leaving depots, and therefore preventing crews from collecting residents' bins.
Unite claimed it had also heard reports that commercial waste contracts were being prioritised over collections for residents to avoid "jeopardising revenue streams".
"This behaviour would not be out of character for Birmingham council - which seems intent on making the least well-off workers and communities pay for politicians' mistakes," said its national lead officer, Onay Kasab.
The authority declared a major incident on Monday over concerns for public health.
"We thank the police for their during this challenging time," it said.
"It is unfortunate that we need their and would prefer a situation where this is not the case.
"Everyone has a right to protest, and we would urge those involved to their responsibilities and show respect to their colleagues."
Basmin Khan, a resident of Swanage Road, Small Heath, said residents had to "fight their way through" rubbish.
"The fact that we haven't had a collection for six weeks is unacceptable... because other areas within Birmingham have had a collection," she told the BBC.
"So the question needs to be asked: 'Why is the area of Small Heath being ignored, and for what reason"Pictured is Rebecca Skeels smiling in a classroom. She has cheek length dark and grey hair and is wearing thick round glasses. She has on a red high neck jumper with a blue roll neck sweater underneath and a khaki apron. " class="sc-d1200759-0 dvfjxj"/>
