Birmingham is currently experiencing a severe garbage crisis, with an estimated 17,000 tons of trash accumulating in the streets due to a strike by refuse workers. This situation has led to public health concerns, including reports of rat bites and an influx of vermin. The city has declared a major incident to access more resources but struggles with overflowing trash in residential areas. Despite some collections still occurring, the foul smell and visible waste have garnered significant public frustration, with residents highlighting an unprecedented level of decay.
A pungent smell of rotting garbage fills the air. Bulging sacks of trash pile high, some spilling their festering contents. And, with vermin plaguing parts of the city, at least one resident has claimed to have been bitten by a rat.
With its heritage as a manufacturing powerhouse and its proud civic history, Birmingham likes to call itself Britain's second city. Right now, it's the nation's garbage capital.
On Monday, Birmingham's municipality declared it a major incident, which allows it to access more resources from the government and other nearby regions.
I have lived in England for 36 years. I have never seen a situation like this before, said Javad Javadi, 51, a delivery driver who is originally from Iran.
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