Support given to ensure Black Country bin collection delays kept to minimum
Bins in Sandwell could be collected on evenings and weekends in a bid to catch up on a backlog – after a number of Covid-related staff absences.
Further support is being provided to waste and recycling crews to ensure bins are collected on the scheduled day and keep any delays to a minimum.
As well as the current extra crews working on a daily basis and regular crews working beyond normal shift times – Sandwell Council's environmental partner Serco has arranged for extra teams to work evenings and weekends to help reduce the number of missed bin collections.
But council chiefs say specific times will vary day to day, but crews won't be working past 7pm on evenings.
Over recent weeks, there have been some properties where collections have been delayed on average by one day.
It has been caused by a number of factors including coronavirus-related staff absences, plus an increase in waste and recycling tonnages with residents spending more time at home during the third national lockdown.
Annette Joyce, regional director for Serco, said: “We are very sorry if your collections have been affected by these recent delays.
"Not only are the teams working beyond their normal shift times and extra crews are in place, we have agreed a plan whereby further additional crews will work into the evening and on weekends to help catch up on any missed bins.
“Crews are continuing to empty over 50,000 bins each day and many have been working beyond their usual shift times to help catch up.
“We hope that this will enable waste services to keep in line with scheduled collections and reduce the delays people are experiencing.
“Please continue to bear with teams. If the bins in your street are not collected on your usual day, please leave your full bin at the edge of the property until it has been emptied.
"Crews will get to them as soon as possible. Collections might take place in the evening or on Saturdays and Sundays, so it will be important to leave your bin out, even on weekends.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delays and thank everyone for their patience, understanding and ongoing support for the crews as we continue to deal with ongoing challenges.”
