Praise for waste and recycling crews
Residents of Cannock Chase have been leaving messages of thanks attached to their bins, showing their appreciation to refuse crews for their hard work 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 were 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 residents are being asked 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.
There has also been seven cases of contamination in dry recycling bin loads over the last two weeks.
The council would like to remind residents that there is a search facility online if you are unsure of which items to put in which bin 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 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 bin.
