There are serious concerns that a reduction in frequency of general domestic refuse may compromise public health.
A council may name their scheme "fortnightly" "alternate week" or "bi-weekly" - but the inevitable outcome is always a reduction in general refuse collection from 52 to 26 times a year.
The majority of people support recycling initiatives and welcome the opportunity to take part in kerbside schemes. However, there are problems associated with this method of collection. In summer months, particularly, residents have to endure the smells, flies and maggots - all as a result of having two weeks perishable waste decomposing outside their properties.
Another alarming consequence appears to be the attraction of rats to this refuse and, if councils promote home composting of kitchen waste, rats are taking full advantage of the available food supply in unsuitable compost bins.
Local authorities are beginning to introduce charges for pest control of mice and rats - previously a free service.
In the name of the environment we are continually assured that the reduction in refuse collection frequency is a necessary measure to divert waste from landfill sites. We should also be concerned with the environment we are creating as a result of these measures and act before we have an insurmountable pest problem LEADING TO A 21st CENTURY PLAGUE.