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Anger as CCTV shows binmen mixing recycling, food and household waste in Maidstone

Complaints have made to a council after binmen were seen mixing food waste with recycling and household waste.

CCTV footage sent to KentOnline shows collection teams mixing rubbish in Felderland Close, Maidstone, on Thursday, December 22.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said he approached the team and was told they were under instructions to gather all waste, after collections were missed due to snow and ice the week before.

Maidstone Council said no such guidance had been issued and asked for information to investigate the report.

"It's not acceptable," said the resident who reported the issue. "They're emptying the food waste with the recycling and putting the black bins in with it, all in the same truck. I asked one of the dustmen and they said we've been told to do that.

"People are annoyed, because with global warming and everything, we're doing our bit. We've got to sort our rubbish out, which takes time and they go and do that. It annoyed me.

"The driver said it was to save time and money. I asked the council and they said the same thing. I don't think it's right, everyone is trying to do their best for global warming and the environment, and they're doing this.

One of the binmen is seen emptying food waste in a recycling bin
One of the binmen is seen emptying food waste in a recycling bin

"It's not just one street, it's thousands of streets."

Elsewhere in Maidstone residents reported recycling waste was yet to be collected after missed collections.

Recyclable waste that was due to be collected on Friday, December 16 still remains outside households off Boxley Road and Wheeler Street.

Binmen were seen emptying recycling, food waste and normal household waste, following missed bin collections
Binmen were seen emptying recycling, food waste and normal household waste, following missed bin collections

Maidstone council's website said crews would be catching up, however, on Friday morning general waste in black bins was taken away but the green bins that have been out more than a week were not touched.

And today, Scott Hodges tweeted: "Any chance the missed rubbish from two weeks ago is going to be collected?

Bins in Maidstone that were supposed to be collected two weeks ago. Picture: @TubeScott1984
Bins in Maidstone that were supposed to be collected two weeks ago. Picture: @TubeScott1984

"Or is it now just left until next collection. #rats #gardenofengland."

A statement from the council said: "Maidstone Borough Council has not authorised any mixing of food waste with recycling (and never will).

"In addition, this week we have not authorised any mixing of food waste with black bag waste, either."

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