Birmingham residents could soon be set to breathe in fresh air again after Bradford Council agreed to accept up to 27,500 tonnes of rubbish as the all-out bin strike continues for a ninth week.

The strike began on January 6 with 12 walkouts planned across four months. The dispute initially centred on Birmingham Council’s decision to remove Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) roles. Unions claim the changes would leave around 170 workers up to £8,000 a year out of pocket. The Unite union began an indefinite all-out strike on March 11.

Since the start of the strike action, thousands of tonnes of rubbish have piled up on Birmingham’s streets. The smell of rotting garbage fills the air, rodents the size of small cats are seen scurrying across black bags, and a river of sewage-like liquid runs down residential streets where children play. The United Kingdom’s second city is starting to look and feel a lot like Bradford.

Bradford to Accept 27,500 Tonnes of Rubbish

Sadiq Iqbal sits on the Bradford City Council. Mr Iqbal is delighted that his fellow councillors have agreed to help clear the mess in Birmingham.

“Like many Bradfordians, I was shocked by the photographs and video footage from Birmingham’s litter-strewn streets. People gagging as they walk to the benefits office because of the smell of decomposing rubbish, kids playing among potentially toxic waste, and rats so big they could feed a family of six if caught. I thought it was footage from the Bradford West district, if I am being honest.”

“I’m delighted that we can help our Birmingham colleagues during these challenging times by taking up to 27,500 tonnes of rubbish and dumping it in our streets. An extra few thousand tonnes on our streets shouldn’t make much of a difference to Bradford residents, but will mean the world to our Brummie cousins.”

Bradford West consists of delightful areas such as Manningham, Heaton, Toller, and the city centre. These areas are so rough that dogs walk around in pairs, and even the chair arms have tattoos.