BCP Council informed residents on Friday, July 10, that food waste collections are particularly affected, urging patience as they strive to resolve the issue.
A council spokesperson explained that the heat at the back of refuse trucks significantly increases, necessitating slower working speeds and heightening the risk of vehicle breakdowns.
Bin collection disruption is expected to continue throughout the ongoing heatwave (Image: BCP Council)
The wellbeing of the crews remains a priority, the council emphasised.
Residents have been advised to leave uncollected food waste bins out for the next scheduled collection.
To aid the council in catching up, residents are requested to place bins out by 5am on collection days.
Missed bins should be reported the day after the scheduled collection day, but only if the bin was individually missed.
Residents are also advised to check the list of missed roads on the council’s website before reporting a missed bin, as crews are aware and will return as soon as possible.
The council extended gratitude to residents who have offered water and refreshments to the crews during their rounds, noting the appreciation of these small acts of kindness.
The council has directed residents to its website for the most efficient response to reports.
Councillor Andy Hadley BCP Council cabinet member with responsibility for the environment said:
“The continuing hot weather, added to current staff shortages means that some waste and recycling collections — including food waste — are delayed. We know that this is frustrating for residents, particularly in the heat, and we are sorry for the inconvenience this is causing.
“The temperature at the back of the refuse truck gets extremely high in hot weather. This means crews need to work more slowly, and there is also an increased risk of vehicle breakdowns. The health and safety of our crews remain our top priority.
“We appreciate everyone’s participation in the food waste service and for their patience during these exceptional circumstances. If your food waste bin hasn’t been collected this week, please leave it out for collection next week.
“Our teams are starting earlier and working over the weekend where possible to catch up. We are grateful to residents for their patience and ask people to continue putting their bins out by 5am on their collection day and to leave them out if they are not collected.
“Please check the missed roads list before reporting a missed collection. If your road is already listed, we know about it and crews will return as soon as possible. If your bin has been missed but the rest of your street has been collected, please report it through our online report it service.
“I also want to thank the residents who have offered crews water and refreshments while they are out on their rounds. Those small acts of kindness are hugely appreciated by our teams.”