Binmen in Southampton are now required to work until the end of their shifts meaning they're no longer allowed to leave early if they have finished their rounds.

The new arrangement between the council and trade unions has sparked bin collection chaos across the city with residents reporting having to wait three weeks for their bins to be emptied.

Southampton City Council has apologised for the disruption, blaming it on a change to binmen's working practices.

Under the previous system, known as 'task and finish', crews could leave at 1pm if they had finished their tasks.

However, as of January 29, binmen can't clock off until the end of their shift which is either 3.36pm or 4.06pm depending on their role.

Daily Echo: Uncollected bins in SouthamptonUncollected bins in Southampton (Image: NQ)

A council spokesperson said: "Having more time to undertake a collection round each day means that operatives are not incentivised to rush, reducing the risk of traffic accidents and manual handling injuries.

"Additionally, it ensures that office time is available to involve front-line workers in the planning of new waste initiatives and to undertake training and other supervisory or development tasks."

Tim Perredd, 82, complained the bin outside his home in Harlyn Road, Millbrook, which contained medical waste, hadn't been emptied in three weeks.

He said: "It’s been three weeks since the binmen last came around to our road.

"The council wait until your bin is full to the brim then say they can’t empty it when the lid isn’t full shut.

"We complain about the price of the heating bill – the council tax is far dearer and we can’t even get a bin emptied."

Daily Echo: Tim Perredd said his bin hasn't been collected for three weeksTim Perredd said his bin hasn't been collected for three weeks (Image: Newsquest)

Fellow Millbrook resident, Steve Plumridge, 58, said the issue had "never been this bad before".

The city council says the change follows a review of "industry practices" and "is intended to make sure the waste service operates more efficiently, has the capacity to meet its future demands, and offers value to city residents".

Unison and Unite the Union both agreed to the new system, the council said.

Both unions have been approached by the Daily Echo but Unison declined to comment.

  • Are you affected by this issue? Do you collect bins for the council? Email newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk