Torridge District Council Waste and Recycling Collections Update

The majority of services in Torridge has so far not been affected by the Coronavirus crisis apart from the collection of Textiles and Small Electrical Items, which we have suspended until further notice due to contamination and capacity concerns. The Council is asking residents to please hold onto any materials until there is a return to business as usual. Devon County Council Recycling Centres have also been closed and as a result TDC Bulky items collections have been stopped as well.

The Council advise that in some instances it may also be necessary to swap crews to cover sickness or absence and so some collection rounds may get to certain areas later than they would normally. The Council is asking people to be patient during this period and not to report any suspected missed collections until the following day.

Councillor Chris Leather – Lead Member for Waste and Recycling said:

“It's fantastic that through the hard work and dedication of our operatives we have been able to keep the majority of our services going and running to schedule. As the coronavirus situation develops we may need to change our approach and prioritise some service areas such as refuse collection over kerbside recycling if we experience high levels of staff sickness or other disruption. We haven't yet reached that stage and our crews are continuing working hard to ensure that the normal levels of service are maintained.

Should we need to make any changes we will continue to share information on the Torridge District Council website and social media. We would also ask people to help protect our crews by washing hands prior to putting out waste or recycling and following the guidance below if they suspect a member of their household may be infected. Please help us to minimise the risks. I would like to end by thanking our Waste and Recycling team for continuing to keep the District serviced”

GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH CONFIRMED OR POSSIBLE COVID 19: HOW TO DISPOSE OF WASTE

•KEEP YOUR WASTE INSIDE FOR AT LEAST 72 HOURS AND DOUBLE BAG THE WASTE.

•Store personal waste (like used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths securely in rubbish bags.

•Place these bags within a second bag, tie it securely and store it in a separate room from where you are self-isolating.

•Keep the bags there for AT LEAST 72 HOURS before putting them out after 6pm on the night before your usual collection day.

•Recycling and garden waste can be placed in your usual bins.

•Please keep recycling if you can, but please keep your recycling for at least 72 hours after your self isolating period.