A PENSIONER is outraged after a mound of rubbish, containing dirty nappies and food, was allegedly left behind after a recycling collection.

The recycling collection took place at 9am yesterday morning (July 11) and Peter Stannard, 66, of Clifton Court, Woodford Green, was angered after the recycling team apparently neglected to pick up the rubbish left behind after a bag split open.

He said: "I was shaving at the time and heard them collecting the rubbish. When I went out to look, there was a huge mound of rubbish left behind.

"We have had birds picking at it and at night we have urban foxes, which is unlikely to improve the situation. It really is unpleasant."

Mr Stannard contacted Redbridge council and was told it would take 24 hours for someone to come out and pick the rubbish up.

But 24 hours later the rubbish was still strewn across the ground and he has since been informed the council won't take responsibility.

Mr Stannard added: "We have four children under the age of five living here in the block and it is such a health hazard. It rained yesterday which has made the rubbish even worse.

"I was told that because the rubbish was found so closely to the recycling bins that it could have been one of the residents who left the rubbish there.

"You wouldn't be able to print what I think about the council's repsonse - it is very disappointing."

The rubbish is now being left in the hands of the managing agent to clean up.

A spokesman for the council said: "When the council’s recycling collection team visited Clifton Court on Wednesday, the spillage had already occurred.

"Unfortunately, rather than placing their domestic waste inside the communal bin just metres away, someone had left a domestic refuse bag in front of the recycling bins and it had been ripped apart by animals as it contained food waste, meat, bloody food packaging, and tissues.

"All residents have a duty to ensure they dispose of their rubbish correctly and responsibly.

"When animal attacks of domestic refuse occur within the boundaries of a private property, the responsibility for clearing up the mess rests with managing agents or the resident, we understand that in this case the agents have been made aware.

"The council asks residents that share a large waste bin to ensure they use it, this will prevent animals attacking their rubbish and causing spillages.

"Residents that put out their own rubbish on collection days are asked to ensure it is stored securely in a bin to prevent it being attacked by animals and spilling out into gardens and roads."

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