Town centre electric bin issue leads to piles of rubbish on pavements

One of the electric bins in the town centre

Recently-purchased electric bins in Oldham town centre have broken down, leading to piles of rubbish on pavements.

Crompton Ward Lib-Dem councillor Louie Hamblett said: “I have no idea why the council have gone for these electric bins. 

"What’s wrong with a normal bin? 

"Why did the council feel the need to spend money on a bin that can break down?”

Cllr Hamblett claims that bins located in Oldham town centre are no longer opening due to a fault with the mechanic flaps, leading to piles of rubbish mounting up on the pavement.

He added: “It’s just a bad joke. 

"People think this sort of thing is ridiculous. 

"I mean robot bins in town centres? Just get the basics right, that would be a start. 

"This is just such a waste of money at a time when we need every penny.”

Responding, Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Don't Trash Oldham, said: “We are aware there is a mechanical issue with a small number of sensor bins in the town centre.

“We are already working with the supplier to get the fault fixed as soon as possible.

“In the meantime our staff are out removing any extra waste as there are plenty of other bins in the town centre."

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