In response to the saga of refuse collections made in Coldean, Brighton, where there is a multiplicity of collection arrangements (The Argus, August 21), once most of Britain left their dustbin in the garden and it was collected, almost without fail, on a weekly basis. Now authorities have devised variations on collecting refuse bins requiring residents to leave bins out on set days, fine if you don’t have much else to do.

Invariably, the bin I leave at the edge of the property is returned half way on – and blocking – the pavement and often it’s not until the next day when I get home that I’m able to retrieve it.

I also opted for a smaller bin such as those used extensively in Brighton but in Mid Sussex most houses have large and more costly bins that in most instances are not required with a two-bin recycling scheme that is operated, albeit on a fortnightly rota system.

I was therefore surprised to see the small boxes without lids that are used in Coldean.

In most residential in-stances a closed bin should be permanently left at the front and just inside of the property boundary for it to be collected and returned.

Furthermore, I have seen this collection system operate on the Continent and in many instances bins are neatly screened. No doubt our collection arrangements have been specified inadequately or contractors are leaving bins stranded down the street to maximise profits.

Let’s have a sensible refuse collection procedure please.

Councillor Richard Bates
Mid Sussex District Council
Lowfield Road, Haywards Heath