What started as a routine labor dispute has now spiraled into something that looks straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie.
Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, is being overrun by rats—some reportedly the size of cats—after months of garbage going uncollected due to an ongoing bin workers’ strike.
With more than 17,000 tons of waste piling up in streets and alleyways, desperate residents are facing a full-blown public health nightmare.
The situation has become so dire that the British Army has been called in—not to collect trash, but to help coordinate the logistics of cleaning up the mess.
Army Steps In to Help Coordinate Clean-Up Efforts
While no soldiers will be physically hauling trash bags, military planners are now working alongside Birmingham City Council to tackle the chaos.
The government confirmed it had assigned office-based personnel with operational experience to support the council’s response.
A spokesperson stated the military team was brought in to “help ensure swift action in light of serious public health risks.”
However, the sight of rotting garbage on almost every street corner suggests that swift might be a stretch.
Rats Running Wild in a Garbage Paradise
Local pest control experts have been overwhelmed. William Timms, a former soldier turned pest control pro, described the situation as “apocalyptic.”
Armed with an air rifle, he’s patrolling Birmingham’s neighborhoods, attempting to keep the rat population under control.
He claims to have recently caught a rat that was a whopping 22 inches long.
Timms explained, “They’ve got everything they need out here—tons of food, hiding spots, and no predators.
Give one male and one female rat this environment, and you’re looking at close to a million rats in a year.” He’s even seen rats crawling out from under car bonnets and invading people’s homes.
Fly-Tipping and Construction Making It Worse
The problem isn’t just the striking bin workers. Illegal dumping, known as fly-tipping, is worsening the crisis, and ongoing HS2 rail construction is providing even more hiding places for rodents.
Residents say rats have turned into a daily nuisance, sneaking through wheelie bins, chewing through vehicles, and even running across children’s playgrounds infested with maggots, flies, and cockroaches.
Locals Are Outraged and Feeling Abandoned
Many Birmingham residents feel completely let down.
They’re furious not only at the bin workers but also at the Labour-run city council.
Sandy Du, a 22-year-old university student, described rats as “the size of baby cats,” rummaging through trash outside her accommodation every night.
“It’s disgusting,” she said. “I get that the bin workers want better pay, but something has to be done. This is a health disaster.”
People Say It Feels Like No One’s Listening
The sentiment on the ground is that no one in power seems to care. One woman in Sparkhill said: “The rats are everywhere, the rubbish hasn’t been picked up for months, and the councillors are just sitting in their offices. We’re suffering.”
Another local, Kim Blakeman, shared how she found rat droppings under her car bonnet.
“They’re in our bins, our gardens, and they’re getting bolder every day,” she said.
“It’s like we’ve been left to fend for ourselves.”
A City Nicknamed the “Squeaky Blinders”
The infestation has become so bad that residents have started calling the rats the “Squeaky Blinders,” a tongue-in-cheek reference to the infamous Peaky Blinders gang.
Sadly, the nickname reflects a reality that feels like the city is now run by rodents.
Visitors and former residents have also voiced their shock.
Chanel Welton, who used to live in the area, recalled, “There were huge rats near New Street. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was terrifying.”
Council Introduces Controversial “Rat Tax”
To make matters worse, Birmingham City Council plans to increase fees for pest control services—a move residents are calling the “rat tax.”
What was once a free service now costs £24 per callout, with plans to raise that to £26.40. Critics argue it will hit the city’s poorest residents the hardest.
Rebel councillor Sam Forsyth voted against the budget proposal, saying it unfairly punishes those already suffering from the infestation.
Strike Could Stretch into the Summer
Nearly 1.2 million people are affected by the disruption, and things may not improve any time soon.
The Unite union says its members are being unfairly treated, and unless the council changes course, the strike could extend into summer.
Unite argues that more than 150 workers stand to lose up to £8,000 a year due to the scrapping of certain roles.
But the council insists it’s offering fair pay and that ongoing restructuring is necessary to pull the city out of financial collapse.
Health Experts and Leaders Are Sounding the Alarm
With warmer temperatures on the way, health officials are warning that the rat problem could turn into something far more dangerous.
Diseases spread by rodents, decaying animals, and uncollected waste are raising concerns about serious illnesses.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his concern for the city’s deteriorating conditions, saying, “As the bin bags pile up, we’re seeing vermin crawling everywhere. It’s a growing risk for everyone.”
A City in Crisis Calls for Urgent Action
Birmingham’s leaders admit they’re behind but say they’re working to fix things.
Council leader John Cotton said crews are now out daily, and clean-up efforts are gaining momentum.
He also thanked the volunteers and community groups helping clear the mess.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner added, “This has to end.
We’ve asked both sides to get back to the table and negotiate in good faith. The people of Birmingham deserve better.”
As tensions simmer and rats continue to rule the streets, residents are left wondering just how long they’ll have to live among the rubbish—and whether anyone will truly take responsibility for cleaning it up.