Piles of uncollected rubbish have begun accumulating again on the streets of Birmingham following the introduction of a new fortnightly refuse collection schedule amid an ongoing waste collection strike. The city’s council implemented a pilot scheme earlier this month in parts of northern Birmingham, reducing general household rubbish pickups to once every two weeks while maintaining weekly collections for food waste.

The changes come as the city faces an 18-month-long strike by refuse workers, with no resolution currently in sight. Residents have expressed frustration with the new system, reporting that overflowing bins are attracting pests including rats, foxes, and ants. Gareth Copplestone-Jones, 69, remarked that the buildup of rubbish “attracts pests,” while Phil Sawyer, 41, described the situation as “a stinking mess.”

The new collection schedule has been introduced under the leadership of a minority coalition formed by the Green, Liberal Democrat, and Independent parties, which took control of Birmingham City Council following the defeat of Labour in the local elections held in May.

Concerns about sanitation and public health have intensified as garbage piles grow, prompting calls for more urgent action. Tory councillor Richard Parkin criticized the council’s handling of the situation, urging officials to expedite rubbish clearance efforts.

The council has not announced any immediate plans to resolve the strike, and the pilot program may be expanded or adjusted depending on its outcome and public response. The ongoing dispute continues to disrupt regular waste management operations across Birmingham, contributing to mounting dissatisfaction among residents.