RESIDENTS say Maldon’s new rubbish pick-ups are failing after binmen forgot to pick up a large pile of recycling.

Residents in Hillary Close, Heybridge, put out more than a dozen new pink recycling bags on Friday. only to be left bemused when they were not taken away.

The mistake comes a fortnight after Maldon District Council introduced its new waste collection system, which sees new wheelie bins emptied every fortnight and alternate recycling and food waste collected every week.

Steve Finlayson, of Hillary Close, has written to the council to complain.

He said: “The new system is evidently not working in Heybridge as they never collected this massive pile on Friday.

“They don’t seem to work weekends or Mondays.

“This photo was taken on Monday in Hillary Close. All of this was meant to be picked up on the Friday.

“We have sent several emails to the council as well as phone calls.

“I think if they collected when they say then it’s a good scheme, but these kind of piles can’t keep stacking up if they want it to do well.”

Maldon District Council has reported a rise in food and recycling waste usage since the roll-out of the new system.

However, the council has acknowledged some pick-ups have been missed and several issues with the introduction of the system have risen.

A spokesman said: “We’re pleased with the current feedback and how the system is going and welcome residents to get in contact regarding any issues.

“Regrettably, these recycling sacks in Hillary Close had been missed on Friday, and they were collected by the crews on Tuesday morning.”