NORTH Ayrshire Council have responded after complaints were lodged over contaminated recycling bins.

One resident of Afton Court, in Irvine, reported the problem to the council, however was told he would face a 40 minute wait to bring his complaint forward. 

The situation at the high flats has left him dissatisfied with the council’s response to the situation.

He said: “The bins never get emptied. They overflow and some have no lids. The birds pick at the rubbish and the wind blows it all over the place. The rubbish is everywhere, especially down at the river walk fence where most of it gathers.

“I’ve been to the council to complain and they say that’s it’s been dealt with. You just get fobbed off”.

The resident also commented that chains fitted to secure the bins in position had been broken off because there had been no key available to unlock them. 

Recycling has been encouraged across North Ayrshire, with rules put in place to help. Blue bins should only contain loose recyclable glass containers, plastic bottles and pots, metal cans, tins, cardboard and paper – these should not be placed within bags. Brown bins, meanwhile, should only be used for both food and garden waste, with grey bins to be used for all other household waste. 

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are not aware of any issues regarding late waste collections at Afton Court.

“However, we have been monitoring the services at Afton Court over the last six weeks as the recycling bins have been regularly contaminated and therefore not serviced. We are considering options which will reduce the contamination issues to support those residents who are committed to recycling.

“The introduction of the ‘Right Stuff Right Bin’ campaign has been well publicised along with simple, easy-to-follow instructions on what can and cannot go in each of our bins.

“We can also confirm that chains have been fitted to bins at some locations to keep them secure. We regularly check these and, if necessary, appropriate action will be taken.

“If anyone requires more information, they can visit our website or call us on 01294 310 000”.