Garden waste collections return to Walsall

Collections of garden waste were due to begin on April 6 but were delayed so that essential household waste collections could be prioritised and maintained.

An improvement in staffing levels has meant that garden waste collections can begin on a revised five-weekly schedule for residents across the borough from May 11.

Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Mike Bird, said: “We realise that the decision to delay beginning garden waste collections has not been popular with residents.

"Making sure that essential services such as general waste and recycling collections continued for all households has been and still is our priority and we have successfully maintained that service for all residents with no disruption.

“Clean and Green managers have been reviewing service operations closely and we can now safely provide a garden waste collection to households on a five weekly basis during the current challenging times, without affecting collection of grey and green bins.

"In the fast moving situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, the service will need to be reviewed regularly, but we hope the revised schedule will be a help to people who have been busy in their gardens whilst being at home.

“It’s been essential that we prioritised general rubbish and recycling collection from households whilst we all continue to follow the government’s guidance around stopping the spread of Covid-19.

“Although staffing levels have fluctuated due to our own employees following these guidelines too, the crews have continued each day to provide a first rate service.

"Support from the public has been fantastic, with notes on bins, drawings from children and waves and claps and cheers out on the rounds. We would ask our residents for their continued understanding whilst we introduce the interim garden waste collections.

“Households can help us to get their bins emptied by presenting them by 6.30am on their collection day, lids closed and with no additional waste, and by putting only acceptable loose garden waste in the bin. Residents in Walsall have also been encouraged to consider home composting too.”

Information is currently being updated on Walsall Council’s website and residents will then be able to find out when their revised garden waste collection day and dates are by visiting walsall.gov.uk/bins/check_your_bin_collection_dates.

Residents are advised not to rely on the garden waste collection calendar issued earlier this year as crews will be working to revised schedules until further notice.

Information and updates will also be available on Walsall Bins and Things on Facebook or @cleangreentweet on Twitter.