Due to continued missed bin collections from the council's services, one such neighbourhood is raising the idea of helping fellow residents with too much waste themselves. 

Sharon, a member of the community who has lived in Whitley for a long time, said that anyone who has room for an extra black bag in their bins should help those struggling with excess waste.

On a recent post to social media, Sharon said the following statement:

"So the bin men are coming tomorrow to empty grey bins and I've had an idea. If anybody has room in their bins for an extra black bag to help those struggling with excess could they please put their street name under this post, then if there is somebody on the same street who needs the space they can pm you for details.

"Just an idea but could be helpful. If it works then we could perhaps do the same each week. Larger families with smaller bins are finding it hard."

The council has responded to this neighbourly response, and has encouraged residents to continue helping each other with regard to the waste issue. 

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said the following statement: 

"Neighbours helping neighbours is something that comes naturally for Reading's residents and is a real point of pride within our communities.

"Therefore, of course, Reading Borough Council would not only permit but encourage residents to help each other out when life’s occasions create a bit extra recycling or domestic waste.

"Please note that this should only be done if the bin owner allows it, so we would always encourage residents to engage with their neighbour, strike up a conversation and seek their permission first."

Dozens of people flocked to the comment section of Sharon's post to share their views on the proposed idea. 

Many suggested that those who are struggling with waste build up should apply for larger bins to help with the issue. 

One person said "You can request extra capacity sacks from the council. They can easily hold two black bag fulls and you can put it out alongside your black bin. We do this all the time."

In agreement with the previous comment, another person wrote "Larger families can apply for the larger bin I used to have it when I was in rg2."

in response to that comment, Sharon said "only for five in the household. People with four which include two kids can easily generate the same amount of waste but are not allowed larger bin."

If you are also experiencing issues surrounding waste disposal, please contact me at olivia.mowl@newsquest.co.uk.