THE council has said that waste collections are taking longer since the introduction of a new training programme in December.with bin crews working safely but more slowly.
In its latest update, the council says that grey bin collections are now almost all up-to-date and that brown bins are about 75 per cent back on schedule.
It also says that catching up on any missed bin collections has taken longer than it had hoped, and that it is sorry that some people are still experiencing delays.
A council spokesperson said: “We have more than 115,000 scheduled collections each week. We've been focusing on grey bins, which are now almost all up-to-date.
“Brown bins are about 75 per cent back on schedule, and we're a little further behind with blue bins. We have extra teams working to recover these collections, and hopefully, you can start to see your missed bins being collected.
“In December last year we launched our Be Safe, Work Safe, Target Zero programme. It focuses on engagement and enhanced training to make sure everyone is working according to the safe systems we've had in place for many years. Its aim is to make sure our crews go home safely to their families at the end of the day.
“The waste collection industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the UK and has seen people lose their lives, so we won't be complacent or risk the welfare of our employees or the public. Since we started the Be Safe, Work Safe, Target Zero programme we've seen a reduction in avoidable accidents, which is good news.
“It does mean that crews are working safely but slower. This is something that we're factoring into our collection schedules going forward.
“Please continue to put your grey, blue and brown bins out on their normal scheduled day and leave any missed bins out.
“To help us catch up as quickly as possible, please hold on to any additional waste and put this back in your bin once it's emptied. It can also be taken to any of our household waste recycling centres.”
