As a concerned citizen of Birmingham committed to environmental sustainability, I find myself facing an untenable situation due to the prolonged pause in the kerbside recycling service. For over 18 months, Birmingham City Council has failed to provide a household recycling service, leaving residents who proactively avoid landfills without a municipally-supported solution. This irresponsible service disruption has forced us to take recycling matters into our own hands, costing both time and money, and presenting significant inconvenience.

Since the council ceased kerbside collections, many of us have had to store large quantities of recyclables on our properties, waiting weeks for the opportunity to responsibly dispose of them at local recycling centers. The burden is made heavier by the continued use of an online appointment system, initially introduced as a temporary measure during the COVID pandemic, which does more to hinder than help timely disposal efforts. The increased demand has also led to an overwhelming backlog at these centers, further exacerbating the problem.

What's even more disheartening is that this fail in service seems to stem from protracted disputes between the council and its employees. While I understand labor negotiations can be complex, it is unfair to punish citizens by withholding basic municipal services. In times like these, transparency and service continuity should be the council's top priorities.

I am therefore calling on Birmingham City Council to acknowledge this service lapse and compensate affected residents with a refund of £20 for each month of interrupted recycling service. This request is not about devaluing the importance of recycling. On the contrary, it is about ensuring accountability and fairness. We pay our council taxes with the expectation of receiving essential services in return. When these services are disrupted, especially for such a prolonged period, it is only right that the citizens affected should be compensated.

Join me in holding Birmingham City Council accountable for their promises and claiming back what is rightfully ours. Let's demand a fair solution that reflects the responsibility they have towards environmentally conscious citizens. Stand with us as we urge the council to resolve the ongoing issues with their employees efficiently and transparently, and to restore confidence in their ability to serve the needs of Birmingham residents.

Please sign this petition and help us ensure that the voices of Birmingham’s eco-conscious citizens are heard and respected.