Neighbours to share wheelie bins

Residents have been asked to share bins

Neighbours in south-east London have been asked to share wheelie bins due to a nationwide shortage.

Lewisham Council has blamed a fire in France, which destroyed much of its stock, and an increase in demand across Europe for a lack of supplies.

It has suggested people share until new bins are delivered in November.

The shortage has affected a number of councils across England, with one wheelie bin supplier describing the situation as an "absolute nightmare".

A spokesman for the London Government Association (LGA) said it was a nationwide problem caused primarily by increase in demand from Germany, where most bins are produced.

High oil price

"The German government stipulated recently that every home had to have a separate bin for paper recycling, which overnight meant 40 million extra bins."

He also said the high price of oil, which is needed in the manufacturing process, had affected supply.

The problem should ease over the next few months and is only affecting extra recycling services, he added.

Robert Bull, managing director of suppliers Wheeliebins.com, said: "It has been an absolute nightmare.

"We haven't had a delivery for two months and our stocks are almost gone."

Lewisham councillor Susan Wise said: "We are asking residents who have requested a new bin to bear with us until we receive the stock that is on order."

She added: "If your neighbour has a recycling bin, could you ask them if they would share it with you until yours is delivered?"