RECENTLY I took delivery of a flatpack coffee table and, having erected it, had the box and packaging to dispose of.

Because of the size of the box I stood it against our newly acquired wheelie bin.

To my amazement the bin was emptied and the box placed on the floor behind it.

Upon ringing the local council department and enquiring as to why , I was told no side waste would be disposed of and I would have to dispose of it myself.

It now seems our helpful refuse collection company refuse to collect anything unless it fits into the bins supplied. This is an indirect way of limiting how much waste we can generate and dispose of through the collection system. Why should we have to dispose of our own waste when we pay taxes to have that waste disposed of for us?

I was also told that it would not be taken because cardboard cannot be recycled. I find this hard to believe.

What happens at times when we do have waste that won't fit in the bins? Different size families generate differing amounts of waste and thus will require more to be removed. Why on earth should a household be penalised because they generate more waste than others?

In the past any rubbish duly put into a black platic bag and sealed was taken away. So what is wrong with removing excess black bags full of waste that doesn't fit into the wheelie bin?

All in all I find this a poor service being provided, and don't see that it is worth the taxes I am paying for it.

Can I return my wheelie bins and dispose of all my rubbish myself and get a discount on my council tax?

I don't think so, but wish it was possible.

Andy Padmore

Sidemoor