Angus Council wants to say a huge thank you to everyone who is supporting its waste collection staff, through their praise and actions, applause and, of course, an array of fantastic posters and letters.
The teams are working harder than ever to try and complete every round as normal, but the Council realises these are not normal times.
Staffing levels continue to be down by about a third, but the regular collection teams have been boosted by agency workers and staff who have been re-deployed from other council departments. With the general population staying at home to Stay Safe, Protect the NHS and Save Lives, it is inevitable that more waste will be heading in to the bin at home.
Communities Convener, Cllr Mark Salmond said: “We are hugely proud of the shift that our waste collection teams are putting in during exceptional times. Their work is helping to maintain public health during the most serious public health emergency we have seen in our lifetimes.
“But, in thanking them for everything they are doing, we also need to thank our communities for the responsible way that they are dealing with their waste and recycling.
“There’s no disputing that having to spend more time indoors over a long period of time leads to more domestic waste being generated. And yet the indications are that people appear to be trying to help us and keep that waste to a minimum when it comes to kerbside collections.
“That’s heartening for us and the collection teams. They cannot take side waste – or extra bags by the bin, as it can make rounds unmanageable and presents a health and safety risk to the bin crews.
“The vast majority of households are not putting out side waste and I ask them to keep up the good work. Saving space in your bin does require a little extra effort, but it makes all the difference to our staff on the front line.
“With regards to space, I’d also take this opportunity to ask people to try to ensure that, wherever possible, our bin lorries have room to work.
“There are several tight and narrow streets across Angus and collections are made all the more challenging when so many people are at home. So I would simply ask that people park responsibly and if you can park off-street on bin collection day, then please do, so our bin lorries can get through.”
People can make more space in their bins by:
• squashing plastic bottles (squash and put the cap back on).
• squashing cans.
• flattening cardboard completely and stick it flat down the side of the bin as the bin fills up.
• squashing general waste in the kitchen bin. If you don’t want to touch the waste, take an old plastic bag to cover your hand and push down on the bin contents.
But avoid compacting waste into the wheelie bin. That could mean it will not empty properly, leaving a half-empty bin. Waste and recycling advice and information is available on the Council’s Coronavius outbreak: bins and recycling updates webpage.
Please help Angus Council to try to keep to business as usual as much as possible, by putting bins out by 7am on the scheduled day of collection and look out for neighbours - check they are able to put their bins out.
Important guidance for households with possible/confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
Store personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths securely within disposable rubbish bags. Place these bags into another bag, tie it securely and keep it separate from other waste. Wait at least 72 hours before putting it in the usual external household waste bin.
Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.
For more advice on what to do while self-isolating visit the UK government’s website.
Angus Council
Angus Council works to create strong secure communities, an enterprising workforce, and sustainable development over the range of public services for which it has responsibility. We are a customer and citizen focused organisation and work to deliver accessible, effective and efficient services for the county\'s population.
