Binmen refused to empty fortnightly recycling box containing a maggot 'because it is livestock'



Council binmen refused to empty a recycling box containing a maggot - claiming it amounted to livestock.

Homeowner John Harlow, 60, was told it was against council rules for contractors to handle 'live animals'.

Officials said the box's contents would only be collected if it was placed in his domestic waste bin.

Shocked: John Harlow with his recycling box and the dog food tin, which contained a maggot

John, a parish councillor, blasted 'jobsworth' staff at Warwick District Council for their 'overzealous' attitude.

The father of two, from Leek Wootton near Warwick, said: 'I live in the country and see livestock like sheep, pigs and cattle regularly but there were none in my box.

'It's ridiculous. I pay nearly £2,500 per annum to the council for services. When am I going to get any?



'It is hardly surprising the odd maggot gets into the rubbish when they only collect the bins every two weeks.'

The saga began on August 23 when John left his red recycling bin outside his home for the usual fortnightly collection.

But he was shocked when the bin was left unemptied.

He claims contractors SITA refused to empty it because it contained a live maggot, which had crawled into a rinsed-out dog food tin.

John said: 'I was shocked to be told the only way they would take my recycling away was if I put it in with the rest of my un-recyclable rubbish.

'The contractors seem more interested in leaving early than actually doing their job.

'It's a disgrace when homeowners have gone to the trouble of separating their waste for recycling.'



Warwick District Council yesterday apologised for the blunder.

Contract services manager Rob Hoof said: 'We are sorry Mr Harlow has experienced problems with the service.



'Contractors are expected to be practical about what they leave and what they take.

'Where they do not take a reasonable approach, that can be justified by the customer, we will always send them back to collect the items.'



A spokesman for the council added: 'The call centre officer who took Mr Harlow's call was incorrect in stating that "maggots were classed as livestock".

'We have spoken with Mr Harlow and have offered to have the contractors return to his address to make the collection for him.

'We have also reminded our Contact Centre staff and contractors of the correct course of action.

'We collect refuse and recycling from in excess of 60,000 homes each week and mistakes do sometimes occur.'



SITA refused to comment.