BIN collections in Harlow are currently experiencing some delays and Harlow Council wants to explain to residents why this is:

“Firstly we would like to say thank you to the Veolia bin crews who are working hard to collect the town’s rubbish and recycling at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is the worst it has ever been.

The bin crews continue to provide a brilliant service, and a service they have reliably and unfailingly provided throughout the pandemic. They have been one of many heroes during this national crisis.

“Although nothing will ever compare with the challenges facing our frontline NHS staff at this time, the bin crews are experiencing some work challenges of their own. At this time of year there are more parked cars around estates making it difficult for lorries to get through to empty bins.

This problem can also seriously affect emergency services when they need access to homes. If our bin crews can’t access an area they don’t give up, they will come back and will keep trying every day.

“This year the crews are also dealing with a huge amount of rubbish and recycling as more people have stayed at home to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. This has been a particular concern in the communal bin areas of flats. This week it took 2 of the crew nearly 2 hours to clear one bin cupboard, which not only had sacks of rubbish, but other items had been dumped in the area.

All this extra rubbish means that the lorries get full quicker and more trips are then needed to empty them at waste transfer stations outside of the town. Traffic delays and extra trips mean the crews don’t always get time to finish their scheduled collections for the day.

“Together all of this means that there are currently some delays to collections and we thank you for your patience at this time. Before Christmas extra staff were recruited, but like every business operating during the pandemic, any staff at any time could have to self-isolate which all adds to the challenge. We will do our best to keep you updated on any changes to your collections.

“Please continue to leave your rubbish out and the crews will be there to collect it as soon as they can.

“The health and safety of the crews and residents is our number one priority. There are things you can do to make collections safer for everyone including the bin crews and their families.”

Here is how you can help:
keep at least 2 metres away from the crews so they can carry out collection services safely

wash your hands before and after sorting out your rubbish and putting your bins and bags out

clean the handles on your bin and containers with disinfectant before and after they have been emptied

If your household is self-isolating due to coronavirus please:
put personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths into a securely disposable rubbish bags
bags should then be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste
put these aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin
clean the handles on your bin and containers with disinfectant before and after they been emptied

You can also help by:
putting your waste out before 7am on your collection day in your usual place
checking your collection days for changes and reporting any missed collections at https://selfserve.harlow.gov.uk/en if the crews have been to your area to collect
reducing and reusing your rubbish and recycling and composting as much as possible
not parking in a way that blocks access – we know this isn’t always easy or possible but blocking access means emergency vehicles cannot help you and the bin lorries cannot get through to empty your bins

The council and Veolia are working together to ensure that our hard working bin crews continue to be supported at this time.

Thank You