Trash fills streets in Melbourne due to staff shortage

Residents from several local government areas across Melbourne say the city has a problem with kerb-side collection.

From rusty metal in Pascoe Vale, old mattresses in Fawkner, to dirty nappies sprawled across the streets of Pakenham — the hard rubbish is left to rot because council waste collectors are grappling with widespread staff shortages.

Shadow Minister for Local Government Richard Riordan said people are fed up.

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"Victorians are over having to put up with sub-standard services and environments, and their local communities are suffering," he said.

In the City of Moreland, council collects rubbish just twice a year, with the latest pick-up delayed by 10 days.

Over at Cardinia Shire in the south-east, a booking system is used to register your collection.

Residents say often collectors simply just do not show.

One resident says his hard waste was meant to be cleared three weeks ago, between March 7 and 11.

"I almost went and took it to the tip," he said.

"It's annoyed me long enough. I've almost packed a trailer, hired a trailer and took it away myself."

Cardinia LGA blames high demand and supply chain delays for truck maintenance parts, as well as COVID isolation requirements.

Cardinia Shire Council says an additional contractor has been hired to increase capacity.