Waste Collection Service Update

We’re Working to Restore Normal Service

Unfortunately, due to vehicle issues, staff unavailability, a battery fire and an alleged incident of assault against a crew member, the waste collection service is experiencing continued disruption across a number of areas and waste types.

To see a list of affected roads and service updates, please click here.

We understand the frustrations that missed or delayed collections can cause, and we would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while we work with Joint Waste Solutions and Amey’s management team to identify methods to stabilise the service. This includes bringing in specialist suppliers to help deliver certain aspects of the service (e.g. food waste) and to repair vehicles.

Replacement vehicles are being hired whilst faulty vehicles are off the road. In some cases, it is not possible for the specialist vehicles that service narrow and super narrow lanes to access properties to be sourced quickly enough. This is why some residents have faced much more sustained and ongoing disruption to their waste collection service. Amey are trying to recruit additional staff and that is challenging, as there continues to be a shortage of HGV drivers generally and this is a high cost area to live in.

Please note, we reduce the amount we pay to Amey where the service is not delivered to the required standard.

While we work to improve the situation, please be kind to our crews, they are working hard to recover the service, with staff working longer hours and Saturdays to try and make up for work missed as a result of vehicle breakdowns or staff shortages. Please also be kind to our customer services team, the information they provide you is the latest and most up to date information they have from Amey but the operational situation can and does change at short notice during the day.

We apologise for this and rest assured that we are working proactively with Amey to seek a resolution to this on behalf of residents.

And a few useful links:

FAQs

If your collection has been delayed, crews will return as soon as operationally possible. Please continue to leave your bin out for collection.

There can be a number of reasons why an individual bin has not been collected, including access issues, contamination, operational interruptions or a genuine missed collection. If your bin remains uncollected after 4pm and there is no known service disruption affecting your area, please report it online.

There can be a number of reasons why an individual bin has not been collected, including access issues, contamination, operational interruptions or being accidently missed. If your bin remains uncollected after 4pm and there is no known service disruption affecting your area, please report it online.

Collection crews may return to an area outside the normal collection schedule where delays have occurred. Leaving your bin out helps ensure it can be collected as soon as resources become available.

Where collections have been significantly delayed, reasonable amounts of additional waste may be presented alongside the relevant bin. Any additional waste should be securely bagged and presented neatly. Crews will collect it where operationally possible.

Hot weather can cause food waste to decompose more quickly, which may lead to unpleasant odours and, in some cases, maggots.

There are several simple steps you can take to reduce these issues:

  • Empty your kitchen food waste caddy into your outdoor food waste bin regularly and ensure the lid is fully closed.
  • Store your food waste bin in a shaded area where possible, as direct sunlight speeds up decomposition.
  • Keep the bin out of reach of animals such as foxes. On collection day, place your food waste bin on top of your rubbish or recycling bin and consider using a small weight, such as a brick, to help keep the lid closed.
  • Consider freezing particularly odorous food waste, such as fish, and placing it in your food waste bin the night before or on the day of collection.
  • Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the caddy or bin to help neutralise odours.
  • Avoid pouring liquids into your food waste caddy, as this can accelerate decomposition.
  • Clean your food waste bin regularly using hot water and washing-up liquid to help keep it fresh and hygienic.

Collection crews may continue to start earlier during periods of hot weather to protect staff welfare and maximise productivity. Residents should continue to ensure bins are presented by 5.30am on collection day.
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