Townsville residents are dealing with mounting frustration as wheelie bin collections fall behind schedule across multiple suburbs, prompting an official apology from the city council.
The council has acknowledged significant delays in waste collection services, attributing the disruptions to a combination of staffing shortages and unexpected vehicle maintenance issues affecting their fleet.
Service Disruptions Hit Multiple Suburbs
Residents in various Townsville neighbourhoods have reported bins remaining uncollected for days beyond their scheduled pickup dates. The council confirmed that both general waste and recycling services have been impacted, leaving some households with overflowing bins and concerns about sanitation.
'We understand this is frustrating for our residents and we apologise for the inconvenience,' a council spokesperson stated. 'Our teams are working extended hours to catch up on missed collections and return to normal service levels as quickly as possible.'
Behind the Bin Backlog
The service delays stem from several operational challenges:
- Unexpected staff shortages due to illness
- Mechanical failures in ageing collection vehicles
- Increased waste volumes in certain areas
- Route scheduling complications
Council representatives emphasised that addressing the backlog remains their top priority, with additional resources being allocated to affected areas.
What Residents Can Do
For households experiencing missed collections, the council advises:
- Leave bins out for collection until they're emptied
- Report missed services through the council's online portal
- Avoid overfilling bins where possible
- Consider temporary storage of excess waste
The council has assured residents that normal service should resume within the coming days as they work through the accumulated backlog.
