Garden Waste Collections Update 08.08.21
Date Added: 08/09/2021
Unfortunately, garden waste collections remain suspended due to the ongoing national shortage of HGV drivers. At present time, we anticipate the suspension continuing throughout September, unless driver availability changes. We appreciate this is not ideal and we are sorry for the disruption to the usual service.
We are exploring all possibilities with our contractor to enable us to restart a garden waste collection service, even if it is less frequent as an interim measure. We hope to be able to confirm by the end of next week (week ending 19 September) when garden waste collections will resume.
Driver shortages are affecting many businesses that rely on HGV drivers. Whilst, we have needed to suspend our garden waste collections temporarily, we are continuing to prioritise the drivers we have to ensure we continue to collect your black bins, food waste and recycling from over 120,000 households every week.
We are also doing everything we can to recruit drivers and upskill existing staff where possible. Unfortunately, resolving the shortage of drivers is not a quick fix. Our ability to source qualified drivers, who are seeking employment, and agency staff has been dramatically reduced. Our contractor is offering increased hourly rates and fast-tracking new drivers through the training programme. However, a national backlog of driving tests and processing of driving licenses is impacting the duration of this process significantly.
If you hold an up to date LGV2 Licence and want to join a committed team, please apply here: https://bit.ly/3swz3H3. Waste vehicle drivers generally work more regular daytime hours and fewer weekends than other sectors. Our contractor FCC also offer an employee benefits scheme, overtime and job security.
We will update you as soon as we are able to confirm when we can resume collections.
Waste disruption latest
Tidy Tips
Garden waste can still be recycled at any of the Council’s four Household Waste Recycling Centres which are open seven days a week from 9am-5pm, including Bank Holidays – and currently have good availability.
Book a tidy tip slot
Composting
Residents with enough space in their gardens can also start home composting their garden waste.
You can buy a subsidised 220-litre compost bin through us and get it delivered to your home for as little as £16.50 (plus £5.99 delivery).
Home composting