A pensioner has praised a bin collection service for always being “prompt” when clearing up overflowing bins.

Peter Wares, who is in his 70s and lives near Sopwell Lane, in St Albans, is “impressed” by Veolia’s initiative to clean up the streets by placing stickers on more than 1,000 roadside bins in the district.

Each sticker advises members of the public to alert the Veolia contact centre wither by phone or email to report discarded litter that has been strewn across pavements or grassy areas around St Albans.

Mr Wares particularly noticed a bin situated at the junction of Old London Road and Sopwell Lane, St Albans, which was overflowing a couple of weeks ago.

After he reported the issue by contacting the number on the sticker, the rubbish was then cleared up within 24 hours.

Mr Wares said: “The system is working really well.

“The area looks so much nicer and it has made a huge improvement.

“When people see a bin that is too full, they most certainly should report it so that it will then be cleaned up promptly.”

Veolia are the waste management contractors for St Albans City and District Council which has overall responsibility for the service.

Debbi White, the Council’s Head of Community Services, said: “I’m pleased Mr Wares was impressed by the rapid speed with which the problem was cleared up.

“We have worked very closely with Veolia to ensure full roadside bins are emptied quickly with the stickers being one of our initiatives.  They help the public to inform us of any issues.”