People in Midlothian are already struggling to manage their household waste with the current fortnightly collection of grey bins. Bins are full or overflowing at the two-week mark, leaving families with the need to find alternative and often inconvenient methods of waste disposal. The Council's decision to extend the grey bin collection to every three weeks exacerbates this problem, further burdening households and compromising the hygiene and sanitation in our communities.

Reducing the frequency of waste collection poses several challenges. Overflowing bins not only become an eyesore but also can lead to an increase in vermin and pests, which can be a health hazard for families, especially those with young children or vulnerable members. Additionally, the smell and unsightliness of excess waste are concerning to all residents.

There are realistic and sustainable solutions that the Midlothian Council could consider in place of reducing waste collection services. For instance, the Council could launch community awareness campaigns to promote recycling and responsible waste disposal practices. Investments in better recycling facilities and infrastructure should also be prioritized to manage waste effectively and reduce the burden on grey bins.

Furthermore, Midlothian residents pay their taxes with the expectation of having their needs, such as regular waste disposal, met efficiently. Any changes in waste collection frequency should be accompanied by a thorough assessment of their impacts on local communities, and the council should seek the input of residents before implementing such policies.

Sign this petition to urge the Midlothian Council to reconsider their decision to change the grey bin collection from fortnightly to every three weeks. Let us work together to keep our communities clean, healthy, and pleasant places to live.