The Glamis Residents’ Association has continued to liaise with Tower Hamlets Council officers, local councillors and EastendHomes about the ongoing problems with missed rubbish collections along Cable Street.
The issue appears to have arisen following changes to the long-standing collection arrangements for the low-rise blocks along Cable Street.
Previously, both domestic and recycling waste were collected first thing on a Tuesday morning, with an additional domestic waste collection every Friday at around 6.00 am.
Under the previous system, an open cage lorry travelled along the street before traffic built up, collecting waste and leaving the area clear. This arrangement appears to have changed at some point during the last 12 months without residents being made aware.
What has changed?
Around four months ago, Tower Hamlets began enforcing the altered arrangements and stopped using the cage lorry.
A standard dustcart is now arriving much later on collection days, which has created traffic difficulties. Operatives also appear to be taking a more selective approach to what they collect.
There has also been a continuing pattern of missed collections, which has resulted in refuse building up in some areas.
Action taken so far
The GRA has been reporting missed collections to the relevant Tower Hamlets officers, including photographic evidence where available.
The Association has also been liaising with Councillor Rabina Khan, who has been very supportive and has submitted at least two Members’ Enquiries regarding the issue.
It has become clear that some of the senior council officers organising the service are not fully aware of the previous collection arrangements or the reasons behind them.
The GRA has therefore requested a site visit involving the relevant council officers, councillors and EastendHomes representatives so that the problems can be properly reviewed on site.
While the issue is being worked through, the council has agreed to collect more regularly to help prevent refuse from building up.
How residents can help
Residents are asked to help by following the correct collection arrangements:
- Please only put waste out on the evening before the scheduled collection day.
- Please arrange any bulky waste collections through the Tower Hamlets Council website.
- If you do not use street-side collections, please make sure you use the correct bins.
Elf Row, Tarbert Walk, Redcastle Close, Gordon House and Roslin House have their own collection arrangements.
Bulky waste collections
Tower Hamlets offers two free bulky waste collections per year.
Residents can find further details and arrange a collection through the Tower Hamlets Council bulky waste service linked here:
The GRA will continue to pursue the issue and will provide further updates as discussions with Tower Hamlets and EastendHomes progress.