Bin collections back up and running in North Kesteven after break due to Covid infections

A number of the waste collection staff, operating out of their Metheringham depot, had received positive test results despite not displaying symptoms, meaning others in close contact also had to stay off work.

The numbers in volved meant the household bins, bulky waste and litter bins could not be collected.

Following a break in service, the team are finalising arrangements for the safe remobilisation of Waste and Street Scene services.

The council warns that there may still be a depleted workforce today (Monday) and the potential of not being fully up to speed across services straight away.

They described it as “an emerging picture with all colleagues required to undertake further virus testing before returning to work and some still required to self-isolate for a few days”. But they were optimistic of resuming on Monday.

Theaim is for:

* Full collection of residual black bin waste in line with the usual weekly schedule

* Fulfilment of brown bin garden waste collections in line with the usual fortnightly schedule

* Resumption of litter and dog bin emptying

* Clearance of any fly-tipping

Collection of green-lidded recycling will resume in the week beginning on March 1.

Other areas of work will recommence as soon as possible as more colleagues become available for work.

Council Leader Coun Richard Wright said: “I thank our residents for their understanding and patience at this time. It is much appreciated.

“To have had to suspend our waste services over the past week because of virus transmission and self-isolation requirements was a great disappointment to us, not least because the entire team have maintained such a valiant level of service over the past year. But it was the right thing to do in respect of the health and wellbeing of the entire team, their families, our customers and communities.

“I send my best wishes to them all in their recovery and return to work, and on behalf of the council and our communities I thank them for all that they have done, for what they continue to do and for their diligence in complying with public health measures and self-isolation requirements, so that we are able to resume operations and limit service disruption.

“We have thoroughly reviewed all of our procedures and strengthened mechanisms to support colleagues in their safe return to the coalface of public service.

“We are so deeply heartened by the sheer volume of appreciation, goodwill and messages of support shown by our customers and to have the confidence of our residents behind us as we resume activities is a source of great reassurance.”

For customers whose collections were disrupted, a reasonable amount of side waste will be taken on the first resumed collections.

For black-bin customers this applies mainly to Friday collections and for all recycling collections between March 1 and 5.

If it cannot be squashed into your bin, bag or bundle it and present it alongside your bin. A reasonable amount, says the council, would be that which you would reasonably generate over the period between collections. If you can hold on to any and spread it over subsequent collections, that would be appreciated.

Additional slots can be booked to take any excess household waste and recycling to the Household Waste Recycling Centres in Lincoln and Sleaford, which will be open for two extra days than normal this week - Wednesday February 24 and Thursday February 25. Book a slot at https://www.lincolnshire.gov.u=k/clickandtip

To check on what should go into which bin – see www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/recycle

the council points out that it has been a stark reminder of the virus still being out there in the community and the need to consider the potential for transmission if working away from home and in contact with others.

They urge any key worker – within retail, services, trades or public-facing roles – whose work requires them to work away from home and in the company of others, should take up opportunities for regular, free, fast-response asymptomatic testing at locations in Sleaford, Lincoln or Boston.

Anyone with Covid symptoms should get a test in the usual way: call 119.