An Aberdeen pensioner has raised fears about pests after his garden bin has been repeatedly missed – despite paying the £30 collection fee.
James Ellis, who uses a stick and carries an alarm incase he falls, put his bin out on Duthie Terrace two weeks ago but it has still not been emptied.
The 90-year-old is now worried the discarded food waste in the bin could attract rodents, as he has already had problems with flies and wasps.
Mr Ellis said: “I’ve lived here for close to 60 years and I’ve never had any problems before.
“The bin was very heavy and I’m bad on my feet. I need to use a stick and I’ve to wear a monitor when I’m outside in case I fall – that’s what makes it worse.
“I’ve paid for the tax – even £8 for the sticker. They emptied the normal bin but for some reason they didn’t bother emptying the garden bin.”
When Mr Ellis complained about the missed collection to the council, he was assured it would be emptied on Friday, September 27.
However, it was not and he was told it would be collected on Monday. It was not.
Now Mr Ellis is concerned that when the refuse collectors do come round, they will reject the bin as passers-by keep putting cans and other rubbish in.
The pensioner said it was a “big struggle” to separate the rubbish and added: “When I went out the other day, I had to try and keep away from the wasps. I lifted the lid with my stick and then saw loads of beer cans and tins.
“Councillor Ian Yuill came to the door last Friday to tell me that it was going to be emptied. I went away shopping and by the time I came back it was still there.
“Someone isn’t doing their job right – someone is neglecting their duties because it should have been emptied.”
Mr Yuill said: “Missed bins always cause frustration. I can completely understand why Mr Ellis is annoyed as he’s paid his garden tax.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “When missed bins are reported we endeavour to reschedule collection at the earliest opportunity. We apologise for any inconvenience experienced.”
