A surge in staff shortages because of heightened COVID-19 cases along with general staff sickness in Swindon Borough Council’s Waste and Recycling team have resulted in the cancellation of recycling box collections throughout Swindon this week.
Any home that is due a recycling box collection between Tuesday 1st and Friday 4th February is now required to store their recycling until the next collection day.
Councillor Kevin Parry, Cabinet Member for Service Delivery, Waste and Transport, said: “I am really sorry that we are having to suspend recycling box collections for some households in the Borough this week.
“This was a really difficult decision and not one that we have taken lightly, but it will allow us to catch-up on any collections that have been missed since last Thursday (27 January) and get us back on an even keel, while also allowing us to prioritise the collection of perishable waste.
“Throughout the pandemic we have, for the most part, been able to continue providing our recycling services uninterrupted. However, with the rise in coronavirus cases across the Borough, a number of our staff are unfortunately having to self-isolate with COVID-19.
“This continues to be a live situation and we will share any further updates as and when we have them. Please keep checking the Council’s Facebook page and webpages for the latest information.”
Please note these changes will not affect black wheelie bin, plastic recycling, food waste, garden waste or clinical waste collections. If you receive any of these services, these will continue as normal.
Recycling box collections will be suspended on the following days:
Tomorrow (1st February)
Wednesday, 2nd February
Thursday, 3rd February
Friday, 4th February
