Birmingham is facing growing public frustration as long-running industrial action by refuse workers continues to disrupt waste collection across large parts of the city, leaving streets, schools and residential areas affected by uncollected rubbish.

The dispute, which involves bin workers represented by Unite the Union and Birmingham City Council, has now stretched into a prolonged period of disruption. Residents in several neighbourhoods say waste has gone uncollected for weeks at a time, creating concerns about hygiene, public health and the impact on children and vulnerable people.

In response, community groups and local campaigners are now discussing a coordinated protest in which residents would withhold or delay council tax payments, arguing that essential services are not being delivered. Organisers say the move is intended to put pressure on the council to resolve the dispute and restore normal collections.

Unite the Union has publicly warned that the continuing stalemate risks serious political consequences for the Labour-run council in one of the party’s most important urban strongholds. The union said that repeated attempts to reach a settlement have failed and accused the council of refusing to engage meaningfully with workers’ representatives.

Local residents say the situation has reached a breaking point. Many have complained of overflowing bins outside homes, shops and schools, and say they are being asked to continue paying for services that are not operating reliably.

Birmingham City Council has previously said it is dealing with significant financial pressures and has argued that any agreement with staff must be affordable and fair to taxpayers. The council has also stated that it remains willing to continue talks in order to bring the dispute to an end.

The ongoing disruption has attracted national attention and added to wider political pressure on Labour, particularly in cities where public services are already under strain. With negotiations currently stalled, both residents and union leaders are calling for urgent talks to prevent further deterioration in conditions and restore confidence in local services.