Bin collection delays warning as strike continues

Full rubbish binsImage source, Getty
Image caption,

The council said people should leave their bins out until they are emptied

  • Published

People in Sheffield have been warned of delays to waste and recycling collections as a strike by refuse collectors continues.

Members of Unite began indefinite industrial action on Tuesday as part of a long-running disagreement with their employer Veolia over which union represents workers.

Sheffield City Council said bin crews would be working "extended hours, including weekends, to catch up as quickly as possible".

They added: "If your bin is not emptied, please leave it out until it has been emptied."

The council said while the industrial action took place residents should leave their black, blue and brown bins out before 07:00 BST on their normal collection days, and black bins would be emptied as a priority.

It said collection of garden waste, which had been suspended between 19 and 25 August, would resume on Monday 26 August.

A spokesperson said all green bin subscribers would receive an extra free collection in November due to the delays caused by the walk-out.

The council warned that its smaller "bring sites" for pre-sorted recycling would remain temporarily closed and that any rubbish left at them would be considered illegal fly-tipping.

Items could be taken to one of the five household waste recycling centres throughout the city which would remain open as usual, a spokesperson said.

Sheffield City Council and Veolia previously said they were working to ensure "as little disruption as possible" during the industrial action.

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