What is the bin bag problem in London's Tower Hamlets neighborhood?

Residents in Tower Hamlets, London are forced to leave their bin bags on the pavement after the local council closed the bin room in their apartment building, leading to an unsightly and unsanitary situation.

What potential solution could help address the bin bag problem in Tower Hamlets?

Experts suggest that subterranean bins, like those used in Clamart, France and some parts of Tower Hamlets, could be a more effective solution to the bin bag problem, but the high cost and need to adapt existing infrastructure pose challenges for cash-strapped local authorities.

Home / Environment / Bin Bag Blight: London Neighborhood Struggles with Waste Mismanagement

Bin Bag Blight: London Neighborhood Struggles with Waste Mismanagement

Q: How are businesses in Tower Hamlets contributing to the bin bag problem?

Businesses in the Tower Hamlets neighborhood also place their bin bags on the pavement for collection by various waste firms throughout the day, adding to the constant stream of rubbish lining the streets.

16 Nov

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Summary

Residents in Tower Hamlets, London forced to leave bin bags on pavements
Unsightly rubbish attracts pests and obstructs pedestrians
Subterranean bins used in other areas could be a solution

Bin Bag Blight: London Neighborhood Struggles with Waste Mismanagement

As of November 16th, 2025, residents in London's Tower Hamlets neighborhood are facing a growing rubbish crisis. Eight months ago, the local council closed the bin room in Loïc Frémond's apartment building, forcing residents to leave their bin bags on the pavement for collection.

This change has led to an unsightly and unsanitary situation, with bin bags often left overnight and into the next day. The piles of rubbish not only attract foxes and rats but also obstruct the pavement, making the area less pleasant for both residents and visitors. Frémond, a 29-year-old resident, says the foul stench during the summer was "an absolute nightmare."

The issue is not limited to just residential areas. Businesses in the neighborhood also contribute to the problem, placing their bin bags on the pavement for collection by various waste firms throughout the day. This creates a constant stream of rubbish lining the streets.