Rotting rubbish will soon be piling up in Haringey's streets as binmen strike in protest over an increased workload.

On Monday, 48 members of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) went on an indefinite strike in response to changes introduced by Haringey Accord, the company which runs the council's waste collection.

Accord announced plans to remove two dustcarts from service and divide the additional work between the remaining 19 crews in March, but talks between the two sides broke down last week.

Residents are advised to store their rubbish in wheelie bins as normal and put extra waste in bin bags next to them.

Doug Taylor, Accord's General Manager, called the action very frustrating and totally unnecessary'.

He said: "I believe expecting our refuse crews to walk an extra 230 metres a day in order to empty an extra six wheelie bins an hour is acceptable.

"I would urge the TGWU to reconsider the action before residents suffer too much."

Refuse collectors rejected an offer of £1,450 each to take on the extra work, saying their qualms were about working conditions, not pay.

Paul Fawcett, TGWU spokesman, disputed Accord's claims they would only collect an extra six bins an hour.

"They would be working over and above safety levels and the company is expecting them to get it all done in 36 hours a week," he said.

"Our members will be running to get the job finished and that is something they are not prepared to do. Accord has already made colossal savings. They have no interest in doing a deal."

He also said the striking workers were concerned about the future of their jobs if they agreed to the plans.

"I've no doubt Accord would dismiss people if they didn't get the job done within the time limit," he said.

A Haringey Council spokesperson said: "The company is still contractually obliged to provide waste collection services and has assured us that they will be putting contingency plans in place."

Recycling collections are not affected - and the council is urging people to make full use of their recycling boxes and bins.

The borough's two recycling centres are accepting general waste during the strike. They are in Park View Road, Tottenham, and in Hornsey High Street. They will be open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, while the strike lasts.