Bin Collections - The Current Situation Is Not Working

I have written to the Leader of Ashfield District Council Jason Zadrozny to express my concerns and to urge him to not neglect his duties as Council Leader and act on this as soon as possible for the residents of Ashfield.

Refuse collectors in Ashfield have worked a 4-day week since 7th October 2025.

Dear Councillor Zadrozny,

RE. FREQUENTLY MISSED BIN COLLECTIONS

I am writing to share my concerns regarding the breakdown of regular, on-time bin collections in Ashfield.

As you know, it's been almost eight months now since Ashfield District Council changed the calendar for bin collections and introduced the four-day working week for refuse workers. Since then, the number of complaints that I have received relating to missed bin collections has risen by 2,733% compared to the same period of time prior to the changes.

Many residents have told me that entire neighbourhoods are having to endure their bin collections being frequently missed. Not only has this caused stress and anguish to those residents who rely on regular bin collections, but in some areas, it has caused build-ups of rubbish in the streets. Infestations of rats are becoming commonplace in Ashfield.

For a district which has one of the highest council tax rates in the area, this is a totally unacceptable position to be in, and one that I hope you will want to resolve before any comparisons are made to the scenes in Birmingham with their refuse collectors being on strike.

A number of refuse workers have reached out to me upset with the current conditions. They are often having to work on Saturdays to collect bins that have been missed, which completely defeats the purpose of the 4-day working week anyway and is costing taxpayers more money. This is despite the proponents of the 4-day working week insisting that its implementation would save money by way of increased productivity.

The current situation is clearly not working, and it is Ashfield residents, taxpayers, and refuse workers that are having to deal with the consequences.

I note that you have recently announced that you will step down from your position when your term ends and not seek re-election. However, it is currently the case that Ashfield District Council is lacking direction and is giving the perception of a leaderless council.

I would urge you to not neglect your duties as Council Leader and act on this as soon as possible to rectify this issue for the residents of Ashfield.

Best Wishes,

LEE ANDERSON MP

Member of Parliament for Ashfield