Many streets are littered with the contents of the bins, with rubbish strewn everywhere as animals have clawed their way into them. Rat infestations have been reported in parts of the city as the rodents have enjoyed feasting on the fallout of the row, which is over plans to downgrade some staff and reduce their pay.

Almost 400 council bin workers have begun an indefinite strike, which Unite has warned could see Birmingham's bin chaos stretch into summer

Workers are being forced to accept salaries "barely above the minimum wage", according to the union - while the council has complained of disruption to residents and says workers won't be as badly hit as the union suggests.