Birmingham tips rated on Google as taxpayers clamour for bin strike slots

Online reviews reveal what city residents really think of its five recycling centres which are now in heavy demand

They are Birmingham's most in-demand reservations - but the slots customers clamour for are not at the latest trendy bar or restaurant.

Instead the city's five tips are the places everyone wants an appointment. Demand has never been higher with residents desperate to offload their household waste and recycling as it piles up during the bin strike.

But how good are Birmingham's household recycling centres once taxpayers get there? We checked Google reviews of each to find out what customers were saying.

READ MORE: Major new updates by Unite, council and police to end 'bins war' on city streets

Sutton Coldfield has an average score of four-and-a-half stars on Google, with 262 reviews as of Thursday, March 3.

There were lots of happy customers. One five-star review said: "Visited Sutton Coldfield Recycling Centre yesterday, February 9, and would like to say how very helpful Kalim was. Thanks for the assist Kalim."

But again some expressed unhappiness with the rigidity of the council's appointment-only admittance policy. One said: "Too restrictive opening hours and also staff are insisting we keep to the individual 15-minute slots. Need to be more flexible in timings and approach."

Tyseley has an average score of 4.4 stars out of five on Google, with 473 reviews as of Friday, March 4.

A five-star review posted this week said: "Very well-organised, helpful staff."

But a different visitor had a more colourful experience, they claimed, leaving two stars and writing: "We have been using this centre for years; however, our recent experience was disappointing. We had booked a time slot, but when we arrived, there was a car at the entrance.

"The lady in the car and the personnel were engaged in a conversation, which caused a delay of over five minutes. Meanwhile, multiple cars were waiting to gain entry. Despite our patience, their conversation was holding everyone up unnecessarily.

"We expressed our concern, pointing out that we had booked a specific time and it was inappropriate to waste other people's time in this manner. To our astonishment, instead of apologising and addressing the issue, one of the staff members responded rudely, saying, "If you have an attitude, we’ll kick you out of here!"

"This behaviour is unacceptable. As paying customers contributing thousands to the council, we expect a much higher standard of professionalism and respect from the staff. Please train your staff!"

Perry Barr also has an average score of 4.4 stars out of five on Google, with 319 reviews as of Friday, March 4.

The latest review, giving five stars, said: "I think the new recycling centre is much better. The slot system keeps is more organised, and the staff are generally very helpful. At the moment with the bin strikes it is very busy. Just a warning to book on separately if you have a van, as the slots are different.

"Also, if you have a van with seats in, it sometime used to be classed as a car. It is now classed as a van. The place is a lot cleaner too. I think this has been a worthwhile improvement."

But one less complimentary review said: "Run by utter jobsworth. I was a little early for my slot, tip was empty and refused to let me in! You guys are a big reason the council is bankrupt. Inefficient use of public money and hiring complete jobsworth who don’t have the capability to apply any common sense to a situation!"

Castle Bromwich again has an average score of 4.4 stars out of five on Google, with 258 reviews as of Thursday, March 3.

A recent five star review, posted earlier this week, said: "It is organised so well there, there are plenty of workers to help you know which bins to put your rubbish in.

"It's so easy to do too, you book a time slot on their website and show your driving licence when you get there. So no need for all the fly tipping that's happening!"

But there was some frustration with the citywide policy whereby appointments must be booked online in advance and identities checked on arrival by the production of formal ID.

Another user left just one star and wrote: "Stupid rules booking in and proof of address, waste of time. Bad attitude of woman in kiosk. No wonder people are inclined to fly tip! Not that I would."

Tyseley has an average score of 4.3 stars out of five on Google, with 412 reviews as of Friday, March 4.

A positive, five star, review said: "Emptied a car load of stuff on November 1, 2024. The staff were all polite, professional, helpful and NOT SEXIST! It is the best experience I have had there. Thank you very much to all the staff working that morning."

Less positively, another reviewer left a one-star verdict, saying: "The staff member at the entrance was rude. We told him we had booked a slot to which he replied "Well I hope so" but then never checked our booking.

"Then, he sniggered at the fact we had travelled 'all the way to recycle an iron' (even though we were passing the area anyway) and mocked the fact we care for the environment. Really unnecessary comments, they should hire staff with better customer service skills."