Birmingham bin strike creates ‘banquet’ of rotting waste for rodents

A bin collection strike in Birmingham has caused uncollected rubbish to pile up, leading to warnings of a public health hazard.
Pest control experts say that rodents are feasting on a “banquet” of rotting waste, increasing the risk of diseases like leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella.
The strike, involving nearly 400 council bin workers, is a result of a dispute over jobs and pay between Unite the Union and Birmingham City Council.
Residents are being told to take uncollected waste to local tips if possible and store rubbish in sealed containers to minimise attracting pests.
Unite has warned that the disruption could last into the summer after refuse workers voted to extend their strike mandate.