WITH reports of bin men still sitting three to a cab, we asked YH what can be done to protect the men on the front line, emptying our bins.

A joint response from the Harlow Council and Veolia:

“Veolia’s refuse and recycling collection teams are classified as key workers by the Government. As such throughout this uniquely challenging situation, they continue to provide essential services to help protect our community and public health.

“In these challenging times we would like to publicly thank all of the bin staff on behalf of the community for keeping a vital service running which affect all households.

“Harlow Council and Veolia take their responsibilities around Coronavirus very seriously. The health and safety of all staff and the communities we serve is our top priority, and collection operations are being carefully managed.

Working within the practical requirements of the job and the individual needs of employees, Veolia is following government and its own operational guidelines and is taking all necessary steps to ensure the health of the workforce and members of the public.

“We are extremely proud of the way the teams are rising to the challenge. Please bear with us as we prioritise key areas of service delivery, and support our teams on the front line by following all Government advice given to the general public.

“The council is regularly issuing public information on what residents can do to make collections safer for the crews and their families. This advice can be read at https://www.harlow.gov.uk/news/appeal-residents-help-harlows-hardworking-bin-crews

“The crews have been overwhelmed by the amount of public appreciation for their work at this time with many residents leaving thank you notes on bins and comments of appreciation on social media.”