Fears new County Durham bins could be ‘rat attractors’

The bins have been introduced as part of a nationwide effort to standardise waste collections across England, with each household now limited to a maximum of four bins.

Durham County Council will be introducing the new waste bins soon.

Every household will receive two new bins to put food waste in: an external caddy to be kept outside and another caddy for inside.

However, the new system has been met with concern from some residents who fear the bins will attract pests.

Ali Siddall said: “I found rats had gnawed through my mother in laws wheelie bin and were living inside.

“If they can get through a wheelie bin, this will be a piece of cake. No way am I using one of these rat attractors!”

Karen Robson shared similar concerns, saying: “No chance will I be keeping them inside, and a great rat attractor outside. Marvellous.”

Others raised worries about whether the bins could withstand weather conditions or animal interference.

Jennie Peters said: “I used to live in London up to five years ago and we had recycled food bins for several years.

“The foxes and corvids knew how to open the food bins, we had to place a brick on top to stop the bin being emptied all over our gardens and pavements.”

A rat. (Image: Jacob King)

Carol Albone worried “the food bins will be gone with the first strong winds.”

Angela Harrison questioned the usefulness of the scheme, saying: “Councils have to provide these bins by law but you do not have to use them.

“Mine will be pushed in the back of the garage out the way. I refuse to have an extra bin in my kitchen nor in my yard.”

Some residents also raised concerns about the capacity of the bins for larger households.

Stacey James said: “My kids would fill that caddy in two days. One day the love something the next they hate it.

“You get a large family and that caddy isn’t going to cut it.”

Despite the criticism, some residents welcomed the changes, noting the environmental benefits of composting food waste, which would otherwise end up in landfill.

Linda Thompson said: “All of these negative comments!

“I think it’s a good thing that food waste will be composted instead of being left to rot.

“Having it collected weekly instead of fortnightly should surely mean less trouble with rodents and smells?”

Under the new national rules, residents will have a maximum of four bins.

Dry recycling collections changed on March 31.

However, questions remain about collection logistics and whether residents will be provided with bin liners.

Others expressed confusion about the timetable for collections and what items belong in each bin.