Praise for waste and recycling crews who continue to work during the COVID-19 pandemic

Residents of Cannock Chase have been leaving messages of thanks attached to their bins, thanking refuse crews for their hard work and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bin men completing their collections have been overwhelmed by the brightly coloured pictures and messages of thanks and have even been left gifts such as Easter eggs as thanks for their hard work.

This week at Tesco, Hednesford, the crew emptying the recycling bins was approached by the security guard who asked them to drive past the main doors on their way out.  The staff at Tesco had asked everyone in the queue to clap and cheer as they drove past.

Councillor John Preece, Portfolio Leader for Environment said “The Council and residents are extremely grateful for the dedication and commitment from the crews at Biffa to continue working during this difficult time.  These messages of thanks have been a real boost for the refuse crews who are out working day after day during these uncertain times. 



“We all know, myself included, what a nightmare it would be if waste and recycling collections were to stop.  Biffa have had members of their crews off self isolating, this has meant that the extra work has been picked up by the other crews and they have had to work longer days.  Biffa will continue to provide this service as long as there is sufficient workforce available.”

During this global pandemic we would ask residents to help by taking extra measures and to clean the handles of their bins before and after collections to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  We would also ask residents to respect the Government guidelines for social distancing and not to approach our operatives whilst they are working.

There has also been a number of cases (seven in total) of contamination in dry recycling (blue) bin loads over the last two weeks.  We would like to remind residents that there is an easy to use search facility on our website if you are unsure of which items to put in which bin.  https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/residents/recycling-waste/which-items-go-which-bin

The Council has instructed its recycling collection crews to operate a zero tolerance towards any recycling container that is seen to contain tissues, wipes, clothing, textiles or other domestic waste.  Government guidelines during this pandemic are to place personal waste (such as used tissues) in a bag, which should be tied securely.  This should then be put aside for at least 72 hours before disposing in your general waste (green) bin.

It was announced last week by the County Council that tips in the area would close until further notice.  In order to help our bin crews and to stop misuse the District Council is asking residents not to use local recycling centres at supermarkets and other car parks across the District.  We would also like to inform residents that the clothing and textile banks at these centres are no longer being emptied by the charities providing them. We would also  ask residents if they would keep hold of their rubbish / recycling until the tips re-open or to dispose of it in the appropriate bin where possible.