Councillors at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council raised concerns over regular missed bin collections in parts of the borough. Alderman Margaret Tinsley from the DUP in Craigavon DEA noted complaints last week about uncollected green and brown bins over several days. She linked delays to potential staff shortages from reassignments to a litter control team and stressed the need for quick staff recruitment ahead of peak brown bin season.

Alderman Paul Greenfield from the DUP in Banbridge DEA reported bins lifted only once in eight or nine weeks in areas around Banbridge and Castlewellan Road. He cited broken lorries and staffing problems as causes and requested updates on staff availability.

Councillor Mary O’Dowd from Sinn Féin in Lurgan DEA attributed misses to access issues from parked cars. She said residents who present bins correctly still face delays, leading to fly-tipping.

Lisa Doherty, head of Environmental Services, responded that service reviews aim to keep refuse collection, litter control, and street cleansing as separate operations. She committed to building staff resilience to prevent cross-service shifts.

Doherty added that the council continues addressing access by distributing leaflets and plans further drops plus door-knocking by recycling inspectors to clear parked cars for collection lorries.