The householder, who did not want to be named, contacted the Advertiser to say bins at a block of flats on Dougall Place are regularly overflowing, often days before collection time.

She said: "To me, the bins are not big enough for the flats. We are going to end up with rats, it's that bad.

"We are seeing lots of cats now, because the rubbish is lying everywhere.

Stinking

She added: "Can you imagine this on a hot summer's day? It's going to be absolutely stinking.

"The bins we have are the most horrible bins you have ever seen.

"I cannot think of anything worse to have to look out of our windows at."

Collected

The resident, who said she had contacted Midlothian Council about the problem on almost 30 occasions, added that she had to deal with one council department to have rubbish collected from the street and another to have it collected from gardens.

She added: "I don't know if the people are recycling or not.

"I just think this recycling is all good in theory but in practice it's clearly not working in some areas."

Sufficient

A Midlothian Council spokesperson said: "Until recently, the number of bins supplied for householders at Dougall Place has provided sufficient capacity for the waste generated.

"However, recently it appears that a small number of residents are not continually recycling resulting in bins being prematurely full before collections are scheduled.

"We intend to visit all householders at this location and provide advice on recycling options.

"All enquiries or complaints regarding litter can be made to 0131 561 5284 and for more information on recycling call the helpline on 0845 130 2322."