Kevin Carroll, 28, of Dylan Court , was angry when he found out he would have to store all his weekly rubbish in black sacks, because other residents in the block of flats, where he lives, have been misusing the recycling bins.

Householders in Dylan Court and Platz House had their bins taken by South Beds District Council, only six weeks after delivery.

Mr Carroll, who works for Helapet in Houghton Regis, said: "If I cook fresh vegetables on a Friday night, I'm expected to keep the leftovers in my flat until Thursday night, that is not right.

"There is rubbish all over the communal car park which either cats or rats have ripped open, it's a hygiene issue.

"We should be given our wheelie bins back, they all have our flat numbers on them, so they can find the people who abuse the system.

"It does annoy me."

A spokesperson for the council said: "The whole block of flats have been reverted back to sacks due to the continual contamination of the orange lidded recycling bins.

"Our recycling team are aware some residents do not abuse the system, but they will have to bear the situation because of others.

"Any individuals with any issues regarding recycling should contact the recycling team."

The South Beds recycling officer Sarah Molloy can be reached on 0845 849 6275.