Rubbish and recycling bins have already started piling up in the wake of industrial action.

These recycling bins in Saltdean Park yesterday show leftovers spiralling out of control.

Lorry drivers at Cityclean were on strike on Monday over pay, with individual wheelie bins and communal containers going uncollected.

And the drivers’ union, GMB, has said there will be no ‘work-ahead’ to catch up during its dispute with Brighton and Hove City Council.

The head of Cityclean, Richard Bradley, said he spoke to the GMB union last Saturday to try to reach a resolution and avoid a strike.

But, after Monday’s action, drivers have vowed to carry on with a work-to-rule regime – which means not picking up any excess rubbish – until an agreement has been reached.