Bin horror
Residents advised to tie recycling bags and close bin lids
Residents in Cambuslang have been left disgusted after finding maggots in their food recycling bins.
There have also been reports of increases in flies and blue bottles since additional bins were introduced in May.
The new system has received a mixed response from locals.
Residents in Cambuslang have been left disgusted after finding maggots in their food recycling bins.
There have also been reports of increases in flies and bluebottles since the bins were introduced in May.
Households across Rutherglen and Cambuslang were told to store food waste in their burgundy bins while a food caddy was delivered to help with recycling.
The introduction of the plan provoked a mixed reaction across the area, and this latest problem has led to many residents simply ignoring the recycling rules.
Others have called on the food bin to be collected weekly.
Dozens of folk took to the All About Cambuslang Facebook page last week to complain about the problem following the hot weather.
One person wrote: “Our red bin was crawling with maggots after that last episode of heat we had. We used bleach to kill them off plus tying those green bags extra tight now.
“Seems to have worked but we definitely have an increase in flies and bluebottles. I’ve had to use pot lids and tea towels to cover food in the kitchen as the flies are everywhere.”
Another person said: “I had them on Monday, before the bin was emptied it was covered in bluebottles, when emptied I opened and there they were, had the bleach, disinfectant and hose it’s disgusting.”
However, not everyone is opposed to the recycling. One local, Hilary Paton of Stewarton Drive, got in touch with the Reformer to give her opinion.
Hilary, who has a masters degree in waste management, said: “We need to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
“If you keep your bin lid shut, tie your bags and take the right precautions then you will be fine.
“I understand why people get annoyed. It is extra work and there is a lot to remember. It will take time but people will get used to it.”
South Lanarkshire Council’s head of facilities, waste and grounds services, Alistair McKinnon said: “Information is given to residents on how to avoid any issues with both general domestic waste bins and food and garden waste bins.
“Residents are advised to ensure that food waste is not left uncovered and that food waste bags are tied tightly and placed in their burgundy bin.
“Residents are also asked to ensure that all waste bin lids and indoor food caddy lids are closed to prevent flies entering and laying their eggs which, in turn, become maggots.
“At this time of year, during periods of warm weather, it is particularly important not to leave food uncovered since flies breed more quickly when temperatures rise.
“South Lanarkshire Council residents combine food and garden waste in one bin which is uplifted every two weeks.
“Since the new service was introduced in Cambuslang we have received five enquiries regarding maggots in the food and garden waste bins.”