Residents of a Wollongong apartment block say they are fed up after years of mess, rats and odour resulting from a skip bin near their building.
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The bin sits at the top of Wilson Street, behind a Cliff Road unit complex managed by the NSW Land and Housing Corporation for the household rubbish of the residents living there.
But Les Wilson, a resident of neighbouring 2 Wilson Street, said it was often left a mess, making an eyesore that emitted foul smells and attracted rats.
"It's just not acceptable for us ratepayers," Mr Wilson said.
Another resident, Mary (who did not wish to provide her last name) said the odour from the bin grew so strong in summer that she couldn't open her windows to let in fresh air.
Neighbour Kaye Mulligan's unit overlooks the bin and she said it had been there for at least 20 years.
"It's a detraction from our own property values and peace of mind," Ms Mulligan said.
The residents of 2 Wilson Street said the bin lid dropping when people threw their rubbish into it also created noise throughout the night.
Mr Wilson said some older residents of the Cliff Road building were unable to lift the lid, so were forced to put their rubbish down next to it, which only attracted more vermin.
He said it was also a "magnet for illegal dumping", with people coming in the middle of the night to leave their hard rubbish there instead of booking a council collection or taking it to the tip.
Mr Wilson said he and other residents had tried for years to resolve the issue, but had been "brushed off" time and again.
"It needs a joint approach, consultative and collaborative," Ms Mulligan added.
A spokesperson from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment said the bins were emptied three times a week and other cleaning was carried out every fortnight.
"An enclosure and two CCTV cameras have been installed within the precinct to monitor and prevent illegal dumping, while a rat baiting program has been ongoing for the past 12 months," the spokesperson said.
"Warning signs against illegal dumping are scheduled to be installed soon, with relevant authorities tasked with prosecuting offenders."
But Mr Wilson said that while he had been informed the bins were emptied once every two days, it was not happening that frequently.
He said signs would not fix the problems they faced.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
