IT has come to my attention recently that upon changing to fortnightly refuse collections, residents are suffering from overflowing bins, worsened with recent hot spells causing outbreaks of maggots. This has infuriated many and a petition has been initiated.

Now, from an environmental standpoint, I understand the rationale, to avoid sending so much waste to landfill, but I also empathise with the people that are suffering these inconveniences.

It's been said that council implementation and advocacy for use of larger food waste bins was not adequate, however it's also a symptom of a deeper problem.

Supermarkets and producers have long been known to be responsible for vast amounts of waste that we the consumer, cannot avoid. Excessive packaging that cannot be recycled has no other option but landfill. Also, a lot of ready prepared produce in bags lasts a fraction of the time, which leads to further waste. Are we to clean each bag when the remnants inside begin to decompose?

No, retailers need to be held accountable and reduce possibilities of waste, and the government needs to be willing to implement policies. For example legislation for use of plastics/packaging which would incentivise alternatives.

Consumers cannot always be held to blame.

JOHN TUTTON

Hythe Road, Oakdale, Poole

Want to respond to this letter for publication? send us a letter