Waste removal workers employed on a contract basis by the Tshwane Metro Council have gone on strike.

As a result, refuse bins in several parts of Pretoria have not been emptied since the start of the week.

When the workers were directly employed by the metro council it was hoped their frequent wildcat strikes would come to an end.

The workers are striking over problems with overtime payments for September.

The council's Brenda Mpitsang said there were plans in place to deal with the resultant backlog.

"We would like to ask the community, we are appealing for their cooperation and their understanding in this regard and we would like to ensure them that we are doing our best to ensure the matter is resolved as soon as possible," she said.

Mpitsang advised residents to leave their rubbish bins outside until they have been emptied.