Potential disruption to recycling and waste collections

Recycling and Waste Newsletter

View web version

30/11/2020

Potential disruption to recycling and waste collections

SH Waste Vehicle

South Hams District Council are advising of potential service disruption to recycling and waste collections. Due to Covid-19 guidance, a number of drivers and crew have recently had to self-isolate.

FCC Environment (UK) Limited, who carry out the collections on behalf of the authority, have managed to secure enough additional temporary staff to keep as many scheduled collections happening as possible and these have been prioritised. However, with so many replacement drivers in place who are unfamiliar with the locality, there is potential for disruption to the collection of all types of waste. There will be only a limited service available for the emptying of recycling banks and delivery of bins and sacks.   

When the issue came to light, individual workers potentially affected were identified swiftly and removed from collections immediately to safeguard the public and the rest of the workforce.  

Keith Baldry, the Lead Member for Environment at South Hams District Council said: “This is a big blow, just as we were getting back to normal after the round changes. However, teams are out on all waste rounds and will do their best to make sure as many collections as possible are made on the scheduled collection days. Please can I urge residents to bear with us at this time. We sincerely wish the collection crews the best of luck and if any do fall ill, a quick recovery.”

At this moment, we are unable to take any reports of missed bins or sack collections. If any collections are missed, residents are advised to bring the bins or sacks back in until the next collection cycle. If necessary residents may take their recycling to the recycling centres.   We will update our website with further information as it becomes available.