Council mocked for refusing to empty ‘frozen’ bins

A COUNCIL has been criticised after it said that wheelie bins could not be collected because of the cold weather.

Renfrewshire council claimed it was unable to carry out routine collections of brown bins on Wednesday because the contents had frozen in the icy conditions. The bins, which contain food and garden waste, are now expected to be collected at the next scheduled date in two weeks’ time.

The council’s announcement, which was made on Facebook, prompted dismay among residents, with one suggesting the council should “freeze council tax” instead.

One post said: “My bin’s in a heated outbuilding so the contents are not frozen.” Another added: “This has to be a joke right??? By the time it reaches its destination it will be thawed out.”

A council spokesman said: “Every bin was lifted for collection and material collected as normal for the vast majority of bins. Where the contents from frozen bins could not be released, these will be picked up at the next collection date.” They added: “This did not impact on general or recycling bins.”