Will Timms is a busy pest controller in Birmingham, England, where he’s facing an unprecedented demand for his services. His phone rarely stops ringing as the city grapples with a mounting garbage crisis, with approximately 17,000 metric tons of waste littering the streets. The ongoing strike by garbage collectors, protesting pay cuts and restructuring, has left many residents without waste disposal for weeks.
Timms, who removes pests such as rats and cockroaches, emphasised the worsening conditions, describing the unbearable smell of rotting food and the presence of maggots. The crisis has significantly increased his workload, with reports of rat sightings in homes up by 50% during the strike. He often finds himself overwhelmed and has started directing some of his work to competing pest control firms.
The current state of Birmingham paints a grim picture. The city, which once thrived during the Industrial Revolution, is now facing a Dickensian reality, with overflowing rubbish sacks creating public health risks. Residents have expressed deep concern over the visibility of rats and the overall cleanliness of the city.
The strike revolves around nearly 400 garbage collectors protesting the city council’s decision to abolish certain roles, leading to significant salary reductions for some workers. While the council argues that no workers should experience pay losses and it is working towards modernising waste management, disputes between the council and union representatives persist. The strikes have now entered their fourth month, escalating a situation where only a fraction of usual garbage collection operations are functioning.
In addition to the city’s immediate trash problem, Birmingham City Council is grappling with longer-term financial issues. The council declared a form of bankruptcy in late 2023, mainly due to a significant equal pay dispute and ongoing budgetary pressures that have been exacerbated by cuts to government funding over the last decade.
As Birmingham struggles with its present challenges, Timms remains hopeful and proud of his city. While he is frustrated by the current situation, he appreciates the camaraderie among residents. Despite the city’s battles with waste, he cherishes Birmingham and the solidarity of its inhabitants, reminding us that beyond the struggles, there remains a strong community spirit.