Concerns over maintenance of bin hubs amid 'rat problem' in Glasgow

Concerns have been raised over the maintenance of the new bin hubs being installed across the city, as it was confirmed they would be “rat-proofed”.

The bin hub pilot which has been set up in Haghill and Pollokshields to allow for more frequent uplifts and provide a wider range of recycling options for residents.

Modernised bins that are made of galvanised steel that make up the hubs look to allow for more efficient collections of household waste and less noise and disruption on the street on collection days.

The system is also designed to make it easier for teams to monitor the hubs so issues can be tackled more quickly.

The GMB has raised questions over how long the structure will last and whether they would add to the city’s rat problem – and a council spokesman has insisted the bins would have a “specially designed rodent control measure.”

Chris Mitchell, GMB convenor, said: “As you know living in Scotland can see four seasons in one day.

“There are a lot of hills in Glasgow, particularly on Gardner Street in Partick. Where are these structures going to be situated in places like because if that structure is unstable – what other measures are going to be put in place to ensure it is secure.

“The council says the bin hub is going to service 1200 bin hubs which is around 80,000 properties. Are they stable enough to be sitting on hills like that and how long is the structure going to last? Is it safe? Is there going to be a maintenance plan put in place?

“If there aren’t staff employed to tackle fly-tipping the amount of vermin is going to increase. So what is the future plan if it doesn’t work?

“Will there be cameras installed to catch the perpetrators involved? We accept the benefits to health and safety these bin hubs bring for our members but we worry the issue with rubbish will be moved from the back courts to the streets.”

The local authority said there are currently no issues with flytipping and said the bin hubs are serviced at twice the frequency to current collections. As they can be serviced more efficiently than back court wheelie bins, this will allow more time for other environmental tasks to be undertaken.

A spokesman for the council said: “We liaise regularly with trade union colleagues and they have been fully briefed on the bin-hub pilot.

“The bin-hubs are working well in the areas where they have been introduced and the pilot programme has helped us refine aspects of the project.

“Every location for a hub is subject to a technical inspection before the hubs are bolted on to the ground but not all locations will be suitable.

“The bin hub structures are designed to withstand the elements, can easily be repaired and will be inspected regularly as part of the extension of the scheme.

“There is no evidence the presence of the bin hubs increases fly-tipping but the increased frequency of collections for the hubs help us deal with any issues more effectively.

“A specially designed rodent control measure will also be fitted to all hubs in the programme.

“The bin-hubs allow us to deliver a refuse collection service more efficiently and this will free up resources to undertake other work to maintain the city’s environment.”