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Date Published: 17/08/2022

ARCHIVED - Murcia residents plagued by stinky bins during heatwave

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

Neighbours in the Murcian district of Santo Ángel are calling for more waste containers to avoid bags sitting in intense heat

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Murcia residents plagued by stinky bins during heatwave

The recent heatwave that has seen thermometers top 44ºC in Murcia has led to a barrage of complaints from residents over the stench emanating from unemptied or overflowing bins.

During the summer, in the intense sun, the large waste containers reach such high temperatures that throwing bags of rubbish into them before nightfall transforms them into huge odour-generating machines.

But despite several council warnings, many people reportedly ignore the bin collection timetable "creating a serious public health problem", according to residents in the Murcian district of Santo Ángel.

Some of those who live near the junction of Calle Santiago and Avenida Verdolay claim that for months they have been putting up with the accumulation of bags of rubbish dumped in or around waste containers during the early afternoon when it can easily reach 40ºC and even top 44ºC.

The fact that the bins in this area adjoin a small park doesn't help as families descend on the play area at weekends, "and leave their rubbish".

"This has been going on for many years, but lately things have been getting worse. It is not unusual to see the containers overflowing with bags left at the side in the middle of the afternoon, even at midday," said local resident Alfredo, who blames a "lack of education and civic-mindedness amongst some residents".

"We can almost tolerate this situation in the winter, but I can tell you that in summer it is unbearable," he added.

Also read: Free rein: Dogs in Murcia to be allowed to walk off leash

In addition to calling for "more respect", Alfredo and other locals are calling on the local council to review the frequency of waste collection and more containers to avoid bin bags being left on the street in the heat, creating a disgusting smell and general nuisance.

"It is very unpleasant to be with the children in the park, one of the few shady areas of Santo Ángel, and have to put up with this stench", said Carmen, 38, another resident of the area.

And it's not just general household waste causing a headache for locals; mattresses, building materials and furniture dumped near the bins is also becoming commonplace.

"They have turned this into a rubbish dump and a lure for scrap metal dealers", said another resident, adding that he even spends some mornings cleaning up empty alcohol bottles from the night before.

"Imagine how dangerous this is for the kids who could step on glass."

In response, the city council has assured that the cleaning service for 9,600 containers has been reinforced for the summer months.

"In the summer season there is an increased possibility of odours being generated by the waste deposited, due to the heat, which is why more frequent cleaning is planned," said councillor Carmen Fructuoso.

The council is also reminding that the summer timetable for depositing waste in rubbish bins is between 9pm and 11pm and that it is forbidden to leave furniture and household items without notifying the collection service on 900 511 133 in advance.

Now read: San Javier, Murcia, Mazarron and Aguilas have the highest crime rates in the Region

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