Birmingham bin strike: Public health warning as rodents ‘feast’ on rotting trash
Experts warn public health risks are mounting as the rubbish piles up
Rodents are feasting on a “banquet” of rotting trash as Birmingham’s bin collection strike drags on, creating a public health hazard, pest control experts are warning.
The indefinite strike, which began on Tuesday, involves nearly 400 council bin workers and stems from a dispute over jobs and pay.
Unite, the union representing the workers, argues that the city council can resolve the issue by offering “a decent rate of pay”.
Birmingham City Council, however, says it has presented a “fair and reasonable offer” to Unite members and that the escalated industrial action will cause significant disruption to residents.
The council disputes Unite’s claim that 150 workers face an £8,000 annual pay cut and says that restructuring the service is essential for the authority's financial stability.
Grahame Turner, technical manager at the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA), said public health risks were mounting.
He advised residents to transport uncollected waste to a tip whenever possible.
“This is a huge public health danger, and what we’re seeing in Birmingham is incredibly concerning,” he warned.
“Pests like rats, mice and even squirrels are on the lookout for easy meals at this time of year, and easily accessible waste is an open invitation.
“Rotting food is an absolute banquet to them, and Birmingham is already extremely vulnerable due to previous strikes and infestation levels of rodents that are observed within urban areas.”
He added: “Once rodents arrive to feast on your overflowing bins, there is a risk that they will explore other parts of the location, seeking warmth, shelter, and more food.
“Rodents aren’t just a nuisance – they can pose serious health risks to you and your family. Rats and mice are known to carry diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella, which can spread through their droppings, urine, and even by contaminating food supplies.
“They can also cause serious structural damage by chewing through electrical wiring, insulation and even plumbing, creating fire hazards and costly repairs.”
Leaving waste out on the street in plastic bags presents a real risk of encouraging rodents, Mr Turner said, adding: “If possible, store uncollected rubbish in sealed boxes, bins, or similar containers and, if you are able to, taking waste to a local recycling centre or tip will also help reduce the risk of attracting pests.
“For the sake of your health and your family’s wellbeing, we strongly advise people to take action to minimise the impact of missed collections, even if you believe you shouldn’t have to on principle.”
Unite has warned bin disruption in the city could stretch into the summer after refuse workers voted in favour of extending their strike mandate over the council’s use of temporary labour to “undermine” their industrial action.
The union said its members face pay cuts after the scrapping of waste collection and recycling officer roles, despite already voluntarily accepting cuts to pay and terms and conditions after the council declared bankruptcy.
Earlier this week, the council said 90 of its 200 waste collection crews were still out collecting bins, with residents being urged to put their bins out for crews to collect when they could.
It has also said the door is still open to talks and it “would encourage Unite to come back to the table”.