Binmen are being refused tips this Christmas because of frustration over rubbish collections and recycling arrangements, the GMB union has said.
Binmen are being refused tips this Christmas because of frustration over rubbish collections and recycling arrangements, the GMB union has said.
It says some refuse collectors even face verbal and physical abuse in areas where alternate weekly collections have been introduced in a "cack-handed way".
It says some refuse collectors even face verbal and physical abuse in areas with alternate weekly collections.
It says fears over conmen have led some councils to ban staff from asking tips.
It also says fears over conmen have led some councils to ban staff from asking for tips.
But a Local Government Association spokesman said he had not heard any reports of binmen being refused tips.
But a Local Government Association spokesman said he had not heard any reports of binmen being refused tips.
'Distressing'
'Distressing'
The GMB says the problems are particularly common in parts of the country where councils have introduced various methods to encourage householders to increase their rates of recycling.
The GMB says the problems are particularly common in parts of the country where councils have introduced various methods to encourage householders to increase their rates of recycling.
Alternate weekly collections have been in place for years in some parts of the country, so it's odd that we're only hearing about this now Local Government Association
Alternate weekly collections have been in place for years in some parts of the country, so it's odd that we're only hearing about this now Local Government Association
These include West Yorkshire, Norfolk, parts of Wiltshire and several inner London boroughs.
These include West Yorkshire, Norfolk, parts of Wiltshire and several inner London boroughs.
"Some of the new rules have been introduced in such a cack-handed way that people are fed up," said senior organiser Justin Bowden.
"Some of the new rules have been introduced in such a cack-handed way that people are fed up," said senior organiser Justin Bowden.
"They want nothing to do with the binmen or the council and they're certainly not in the mood to give Christmas gifts, even small ones.
"They want nothing to do with the binmen or the council and they're certainly not in the mood to give Christmas gifts, even small ones.
"Binmen have suffered verbal and physical abuse where they used to get a friendly hello. That's distressing for people who work hard all the year doing a difficult, dirty and tough job."
"Binmen have suffered verbal and physical abuse where they used to get a friendly hello. That's distressing for people who work hard all the year doing a difficult, dirty and tough job."
Mr Bowden said that, for example, binmen in Norfolk are not allowed to remove rubbish that is placed next to the bin, or even take away bins which are not closed properly.
Mr Bowden said that, for example, binmen in Norfolk are not allowed to remove rubbish that is placed next to the bin, or even take away bins which are not closed properly.
This, he said, can lead to residents coming out to confront the refuse collectors.
This, he said, can lead to residents coming out to confront the refuse collectors.
Complicated recycling schemes have only added to the problem, with some councils only removing recycling every two weeks, and others asking residents to put out different types of material on different days in different coloured bags.
Complicated recycling schemes have only added to the problem, with some councils only removing recycling every two weeks, and others asking residents to put out different types of material on different days in different coloured bags.
And in Wandsworth, London, the council issued a warning after residents were approached for Christmas tips by bogus binmen.
And in Wandsworth, London, the council issued a warning after residents were approached for Christmas tips by bogus binmen.
But a spokesman for the Local Government Association said he had not heard any reports of refuse collectors being refused tips.
But the Local Government Association spokesman said: "Alternate weekly collections have been in place for years in some parts of the country, so it's odd that we're only hearing about this now."
"Alternate weekly collections have been in place for years in some parts of the country, so it's odd that we're only hearing about this now," he added. "Where they have been introduced, recycling rates have increased by 30%."
He added. "Where they have been introduced, recycling rates have increased by 30%."
Are you a binman? Do you have a personal experience to share? Did you get a tip this year? Send us your comments by filling out the form below.
Are you a binman? Do you have a personal experience to share? Did you get a tip this year? Send us your comments by filling out the form below.
