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Home  /  Bin Cleaning • Specialist Cleaning  /  The Impact of Bin Strikes on Public Health
25 March 2025

The Impact of Bin Strikes on Public Health

Written by Rebecca Waters
Overflowing rubbish from bin
Bin Cleaning, Specialist Cleaning Bins, Cleaning, specialist cleaning Comments are off

Residents in Birmingham have been facing significant challenges due to ongoing bin strikes. The strikes, which began in January, are leading to uncollected rubbish and overflowing bin areas, raising concerns about public health and hygiene.

The accumulation of vast piles of waste and the presence of rodents have become a major concern, with reports suggesting that rats in Birmingham have grown to “the size of cats.”

This situation has highlighted the importance of effective waste management systems and regular collections. Aside from being unsightly, when rubbish is not collected and taken away, bin storage areas can quickly become a hub for harmful bacteria and unpleasant smells and pose a public health hazard.

Rubbish surrounding bins

The Impact of Prolonged Waste Collection Disruption

  • Reputational risk: Waste accumulation and poorly maintained bin areas, especially during periods of increased customer footfall, such as over bank holidays, could damage a business’s reputation.
  • Unpleasant smells: Unpleasant odours from overflowing or dirty bins can easily travel and negatively impact customers’ experience.
  • Public health hazard: When rubbish is not collected, bin storage areas can become a hub for harmful bacteria and pose a public health hazard.

Top Tips To Keep Your Bin Store Area Clean and Hygienic

Daily Waste Clearance:

  • Make sure you sweep up regularly, especially after putting rubbish out or after the waste has been cleared, to stop debris from accumulating and smelling.

Bin and Area Clean-Up After Emptying:

  • Clean your bins inside and out after they are emptied, and wash down the storage area properly.

Secure Rubbish Storage and Waste Separation:

  • Use bin liners and bags to stop leaks, and separate your recycling, general waste, and food waste to reduce smells and the amount of rubbish.

Stop Smells and Pests Before They Start:

  • Clean regularly with disinfectant and odour neutralisers, and seal any holes where pests could get in.
Overflowing Rubbish surrounding bins

Get Expert Help! Emergency Waste Collection and Disinfection Services

The impact of prolonged bin strikes and waste collection disruption can lead to significant hygiene risks and reputational damage for businesses.

Rentokil Specialist Hygiene offers emergency waste collection and disinfection services to address these situations promptly. We’ll remove accumulated waste, disinfect the affected areas, and eliminate unpleasant odours, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment. 
If you are facing challenges due to the ongoing bin strikes, contact us to arrange a rapid and effective service. Help protect your environment and public health and keep your customers’ image of your premises ‘tip top’ by acting fast.

Rebecca Waters

Rebecca Waters, BSc (Hons), MCIM Rebecca has worked in the healthcare and hygiene sectors for over 20 years and earned a BSc Chemistry (Hons) before joining Rentokil Initial in 2003. Following analytical and research roles in the R&D team, she has honed her marketing expertise across various marketing roles since 2006. Rebecca is a Member at the Chartered Institute of Marketing She keeps up-to-date on all changes within the clinical waste management, specialist hygiene, and infection control industries, and is an active member of the CIWM and HWMA. Outside of work Rebecca is an outdoor enthusiast and loves nature – whether hiking, camping, or kayaking. Her love of the outdoors led to her taking additional environmental studies during her university degree and she is proud to push the sustainability agenda throughout her work.

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