Published: Tuesday 22nd March 2016 | 12.54pm
Biffa Municipal Ltd will take over waste collections in the Cannock Chase District from 2nd April.
Cannock Chase Council awarded the contract for waste collection to Biffa Municipal Ltd in November last year following a long procurement process, which resulted in significant financial savings.
Very few residents will notice a difference to the service provided, however a small minority may have their collection days changed later in the year as a result of the new service provider optimising collection routes. Residents are asked to bear with us as their normal collection times may change as the new service embeds itself.
Residents will notice new refuse vehicles, which have been packed with safety features to make waste collections safer for both members of the public and operatives. This includes 360 degree CCTV cameras, forward and rear mounted automatic breaking radars and cycle safety devices.
Vehicle cabs will be fitted with the latest in refuse collection technology including in-cab screens to assist the driver and crews with identifying properties with special collection requirements and will provide the back office with collection round progress, as well as other features.
Councillor Alan Dudson, Environment Portfolio Leader said “This new contract has marked a real leap forward in terms of efficiency and technology for the Council with its partner Biffa.
Residents are advised that normal times of bin collections may be different than what they are used to, so don’t assume that your bin hasn’t been collected. Residents are asked to ensure that the bins out by 7am on their collection day.
I would also like to remind people that all food waste should now be disposed of in the green bin. Disposing of waste in the wrong bin could result in the load being rejected and sent to landfill, which could cost up to £1,500.
Last week was a particularly bad week for contaminated loads; the District saw four loads being rejected in one week. We are finding that some people are hiding waste in black refuse bags in the blue bin. So I remind residents that all waste in the blue bin should be loose and not in refuse bags. Any blue bins containing black refuse bags will not be collected.”
Roger Edwards, managing director of Biffa’s Municipal division, said “the expanded service was a ‘high point’ in Biffa’s long-standing relationship with Cannock Chase Council and its residents.”
He added: “There are will be some service differences, but Biffa’s crews will always be ready to help residents to understand and make the required changes. As ever, Biffa is committed to providing a cost-effective, reliable and efficient service.”
The new service allows collection crews to work between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and provide some of their services on a Saturday, including some bulky waste collections. They will also continue to provide a collection service over bank holidays with the exception on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
If residents are unsure of what goes into which bin, a new search facility is now available on our website at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/whichbin, to assist with ensuring the right item is disposed of correctly.
Residents are reminded to recycle what they can. Remember, Recycling Isn’t Rubbish.