People living in Llanedeyrn are demanding a better waste collection service.
They claim Cardiff Council regularly fail to empty and return communal bins in the area.
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Pentwyn, Emma Sandrey, said the council needed to do more to resolve the problem in the long-term.
But Labour Cabinet member for Clean streets, Recycling and Environment, Councillor Michael Michael, said rubbish was left by waste collectors because residents were mixing their recycling and food waste.
People living in blocks of flats across Brynfedw, Coed Y Gores, Chapelwood and Pennsylvania said their areas were becoming increasingly dirty.
Councillor Sandrey wants to see the council responding to residents’ complaints more so people living in the area do not start to feel neglected.
She said: “When people report things and they don’t get tidied up they start to feel like the council doesn’t care.
“Once people stop caring about the area where they live, they will care less about recycling and they will care less about reporting rubbish.
“Suddenly it becomes a bigger and bigger problem.”
Last month she asked Cabinet member Councillor Michael when residents in her ward could expect a better service in a council meeting.
She also asked for the area to be considered for a deep clean.
But he said the majority of the problem was created by residents incorrectly sorting recycling and food waste.
Communal bins are treated in the same way as ordinary household rubbish by waste collectors. This means if one resident in a block of flats mixes recycling waste, the entire bin will be left.
He added: “Irresponsible actions of a few are having a big impact on their neighbours.
“Education officers are working with residents to improve ownership and responsibility of their household waste.
“We are committed to tackling these issues to improve the service for everyone.”
