A SUNSHINE resident has had enough of laneways around the suburb becoming rat-infested dumping grounds for food waste.

Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association member Garry Collins said he was tired of seeing publicly used lanes filled with filth.

"It's terrible. A lot of the restaurants just dump their old food in these big dumpsters; no lids closed or anything.

"There is liquid seeping out of the food and onto the ground. I've been there at night and there are rats crawling around. It's disgusting."

Some of the lanes are behind restaurants and Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn's office, near the Sunshine library, and also behind shops on Hampshire Road.

"Meat left to sit in bins for God knows how long can't be good health and safety, can it?" Mr Collins said.

"There has got to be a cleaner, more hygienic way to get rid of food scraps."

Cardboard and other items were also dumped in the lanes.

"These areas lead to car parks. Who wants to walk through with rats and the smell of off-meat as you go past?"

Brimbank Council city development officer Stephen Sully said food businesses should dispose of rubbish, including food and waste, in suitably designed bins.

"Businesses are required to use appropriate waste receptacles for their waste disposal needs. They must be of a suitable size and construction with a lid to reduce odours and protect against pests.

"The council also encourages businesses to securely lock their bins to prevent people from gaining unauthorised accesses to the bins and the contents."

Mr Collins said he would like to see council inspectors visit the lanes.

"I can tell you, lids are not being shut - this is revolting. Tell them to come and inspect these areas."