Coronavirus: Demand for waste collection soars in Fenland

Despite reduced staff numbers, Fenland District Council’s hardworking refuse crews have collected an extra 534 tonnes of waste and recycling between March 23 and April 23 compared to normal – the equivalent of 30 double decker buses or 106 African elephants!

Each working day the crews are collecting 38 tonnes of recycling and 92 tonnes of green bin waste – both up by 12 per cent.

Meanwhile, garden waste has seen a massive 36 per cent increase – with 48 tonnes being collected every brown bin day.

At times, the refuse team has been down by a quarter but staff have worked rest days and cancelled annual leave to keep things running as smoothly as possible.

Additional new staff have also been trained and an extra refuse collection vehicle is being used to help cope with the increased demand.

Cllr Peter Murphy, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “Bin collections are one of our most vital services, provided to over 45,000 households across Fenland.

“In the last few weeks, with more people staying at home, the refuse crews have collected unprecedented levels of waste, but they have adapted to the situation with incredible professionalism and determination to get the job done.

“Our thanks must go to them for working so hard to make sure all blue, green and brown bin collections have been maintained as normal. I’d also like to thank the street cleansing team for continuing to provide an excellent seven day service and the workshop staff who are keeping our vehicles on the road.”

To help refuse crews cope with the heavy demand, Fenland residents are being asked to do five things to help keep services running as normal:

1. Recycle right – Flatten and fold cardboard, wash and squash plastic and put the right things in the right bins by using the council’s Getting It Sorted website: www.gettingitsorted.org.

2. Reduce and reuse – Waste less by using items again, consider upcycling, only buying food you need, freezing food before it goes off and cooking or freezing leftovers.

3. Get composting – Reduce your food and garden waste by composting at home. More info: www.getcomposting.com.

4. Care for your crew – if possible, please clean your bin handles when you put them out for collection to help keep crews safe. Also, if you are self-isolating with symptoms of Covid-19, double bag personal waste such as tissues and store them separately for 72 hours before adding them to your the bin.

5. Keep your clear-out – Hold onto any waste you would normally take to Cambridgeshire County Council’s household recycling centres until they reopen. Do not leave waste outside charity shops or recycling banks – this is fly-tipping.

Do not burn waste either – it is an unnecessary risk that could divert vital fire and rescue resources and bonfire smoke can aggravate respiratory problems, causing breathing difficulties to those most vulnerable to coronavirus.