Scots are bracing for further bin strikes as the first wave of walkouts come to an end.
Edinburgh refuse workers have returned to work on Wednesday, August 30 as industrial action continues across the country.
Rubbish quickly began piling up on August 18 when a strike in Edinburgh began in the midst of the festival season. Widespread disruption followed as workers in 13 councils - including Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee - walked out in action that is still ongoing.
A second round of strikes is coming next week as workers in 25 councils take action over eight days.
Scotland's national health body has warned the buildup of waste is a risk to public health. Public Health Scotland advised councils to 'decontaminate' public areas where bins have overflowed.
Three trade unions are calling for more funding before the next round of action kicks off from September 6 to 13.
What is the latest update with the bin strikes?
On Monday, unions confirmed they would continue the bin strikes after turning down the latest offer from Cosla, the body representing local councils.
Unison, Scotland's largest local government union, said its members are struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis. A spokesman said workers are worrying about paying their bills as half of council workers earn less than £25,000 per year.
"Council workers are struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis after ten years of austerity," said Johanna Baxter, Unison Scotland's head of local government.
"This is another pay cut they simply cannot afford, which is why we are recommending they reject the offer and continue with the action already planned to try to secure a bigger consolidated sum."
When are the next bin strikes?
After beginning August 24, the last day of current strike action is Wednesday, August 31 for the following councils:
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Aberdeen City
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Angus
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Dundee
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East Ayrshire
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East Lothian
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East Renfrewshire
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Falkirk
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Glasgow
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Highland
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Inverclyde
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South Ayrshire
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South Lanarkshire
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West Lothian
The full backlog of waste may not be collected before the next strike, Edinburgh Council has warned.
The second round of strikes will see refuse workers walk out over various days from September 6 to 13. The following 25 councils will be affected:
- Aberdeenshire
- Aberdeen City
- Angus
- Clackmannanshire
- Dumfries and Galloway
- Dundee
- East Ayrshire
- East Dunbartonshire
- East Lothian
- East Renfrewshire
- Edinburgh
- Falkirk
- Fife
- Glasgow
- Highland
- Inverclyde
- Midlothian
- North Ayrshire
- North Lanarkshire
- Orkney
- Perth and Kinross
- South Ayrshire
- South Lanarkshire
- Stirling
- West Lothian
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