40 per cent of South Staffordshire Council's binmen off due to 'Covid-related reasons'
More than 40 per cent of South Staffordshire Council's binmen are off work leaving a backlog of waste collections.
The workers are off, predominantly due to Covid-19 related reasons, including NHS requests to self-isolate through Test and Trace, the authority said.
The council posted online yesterday saying crews would be trying to collect bins the following day if they are not collected on the scheduled day.
The post says: "We are currently experiencing operational delays to waste and recycling collections due to the backlog of collections from the bad weather last week, and additional staff shortages.
"We currently have over 40 per cent of the workforce off, predominantly due to Covid-19 related reasons, including NHS requests to self-isolate through Test and Trace.
"Our crew and residents health and safety is of paramount importance, therefore we are working behind the scenes to safely clear as much waste and recycling as possible, and source additional staff to assist with operations.
"If your grey bin is not emptied on your scheduled collection day this week, please leave it at the collection point and we will endeavour to return the following working day to empty it.
"If you did not receive a grey bin collection last week due to the bad weather, we are able to remove up to two bags of additional refuse at the side of your grey bin also.
"Blue bin collections are currently operating as normal with the exception of the rural, narrow access recycling round.
"If you are one of these 200 affected properties, please present your blue bin on your next scheduled recycling collection.
"We can accept additional side waste in clear/carrier bags and flattened cardboard boxes.
"If you are unable to wait until then, you can visit any of the local Household Recycling Centre's to dispose of your waste/recycling.
"Please accept our apologies for any disruption, crews are working hard to complete as much work as possible."
