WARRINGTON South residents have been left ‘raging’ after their blue bins were not emptied last week.

During a recent collection day, a number of blue bins were not emptied and instead left with stickers on which outlined that specific items can only be accepted.

There have been reports of this happening in Appleton, Grappenhall and Stockton Heath.

Residents have claimed there was nothing in the contents which is forbidden and some claimed forbidden items such as plastic bags must have been put in by passers-by.

Some have said the situation has forced them to empty bins themselves at the tip as they can’t afford to wait another two weeks.

One resident said: ““Will now have to go to the tip as like other people got a big family and can’t wait another fortnight. Nightmare.”

Another said: “It happened to me a few weeks ago, again couldn't find what was supposedly wrongly recycled seeing as we've now been recycling for years and never had an issue before.”

A Warrington Borough Council spokersperson said: “Blue bins that contain items that we do not accept are left unemptied and stickered.

“Unfortunately, the amount of incorrect items in blue bins in Warrington has increased over the last 18 months. We are working with our contractor to make sure that we reduce contamination rates, which has resulted in some bins not being collected recently. We want to remind residents that items we can accept in blue bins are:

  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Food and drinks cans
  • Plastic bottles
  • Plastic food tubs eg margarine tubs, yogurt pots
  • Drink cartons
  • Paper and cardboard

“Other items containing plastic and other materials may be recycled elsewhere. For example, plastic bags, wrappers and crisp packets can’t go into blue bins, but they can be recycled in-store at most supermarkets.

"Our crews only sticker blue bins that contain items that we do not accept, so if a blue bin has not been emptied and it has a red sticker on, please remove any items that are not listed on the sticker.

“For more information about what you can and can’t put into your blue bin, please visit warrington.gov.uk/blue-bin”