Tensions boiled over on Finnemore Road in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, after a bin worker was filmed pushing a resident and throwing a rubbish bag onto the street during a heated exchange about missed waste collection.

The altercation, captured on video by a bystander and now circulating on social media, took place on Thursday morning and has sparked local outrage and a wider discussion about bin collections and public conduct.

Dispute Over Uncollected Bins

The clash reportedly began when frustrated locals attempted to throw their rubbish into a moving bin lorry, claiming their bins were scheduled for collection that day but had been left full and untouched.

Video footage shows a brief verbal exchange escalating when a waste worker shoves a resident who tried to place a bag into the lorry. Moments later, the same worker is seen hurling a black sack back onto the pavement, prompting gasps from onlookers.

One resident told UKNIP: “We were just trying to put our rubbish in because they weren’t collecting it. We didn’t expect to be treated like that.”

Council Response and Safety Protocols

Birmingham City Council issued a statement following the incident, acknowledging that residents are not permitted to throw waste directly into collection vehicles due to health and safety regulations.

A spokesperson said:

“We are aware of the incident on Finnemore Road and are reviewing the footage. While we ask residents not to place rubbish into bin lorries themselves for safety reasons, our staff are also expected to act professionally at all times.”

An internal investigation is reportedly underway to determine whether the bin worker’s conduct breached council guidelines.

Local Reaction

The incident has sparked debate among Birmingham residents, with some defending the bin workers’ difficult jobs, while others have criticised the use of physical force.

“Absolutely no excuse for pushing someone,” one social media user commented on X. “Health and safety or not, that’s not how you handle the public.”

Another wrote: “People shouldn’t be throwing rubbish in themselves, but bin workers need to explain calmly. This just damages trust.”

Ongoing Frustrations Over Waste Services

The altercation comes amid ongoing frustrations with bin collections in several parts of Birmingham. Some residents report irregular pickups, overflowing bins, and inconsistent recycling schedules.

The council says staffing shortages and vehicle maintenance issues have contributed to delays, and a review of service levels is underway.

What Happens Next?

The council has pledged to investigate the incident and reminded residents to report missed collections through its official channels rather than confronting waste staff directly.

In the meantime, Finnemore Road residents are calling for better communication, more consistent service, and mutual respect between collection crews and the community.

Anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact Birmingham City Council’s waste management team or report issues via the council’s website.