“This survey shows that most council-run general waste and recycling kerbside collection services are operating as normal, which is testament to the sterling work of refuse workers rising to the challenge during the coronavirus crisis."
Responding to a survey by the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT), which shows that 85 per cent of councils are still able to provide normal collection services for general domestic waste and 75 per cent are maintaining their normal recycling services despite the coronavirus pandemic, Cllr David Renard, Environment spokesman for the Local Government Association, said:
“This survey shows that most council-run general waste and recycling kerbside collection services are operating as normal, which is testament to the sterling work of refuse workers rising to the challenge during the coronavirus crisis.
“Although there has been disruption to some waste collections, it’s business as usual for the vast majority of councils as they continue to provide a key and visible service which residents and businesses rely on, while ensuring the safety of their workforces.
“Most councils have closed household waste and recycling centres for safety reasons, including to enforce social distancing, with staff redeployed to ensure the continuity of other waste service areas.
“There is no need for people and businesses to burn garden waste - composting or recycling it where possible is better for the environment.
“Burning household waste is an offence and liable to prosecution, while fly-tipping is never acceptable and services will be restored once it is safe to do.”