Warning over bin collection delays and huge rubbish piles after Covid staff shortages

A combination of bin workers off ill due to Covid-19 and planned industrial action has affected rubbish collections in several local authorities across the country

Brits across the country face delays to bin collections as multiple councils report issues collecting rubbish.

Local authorities have been warning residents that the latest surge in Covid-19 has caused staff shortages.

These shortages are down to bin staff falling ill or having to isolate.

As a result, councils are struggling to meet demand in areas such as Manchester, Coventry, Nottinghamshire and Cheshire.

Many areas will be at least a week behind with bin collections, local authorities have said.

Strike action in some areas is also affecting when bins are being collected.

Brits are also contending with reduced service to many train lines as well as the Royal Mail, fire services and some supermarkets.

Here are some of the areas most affected by the rubbish collection issues…

Cheshire

Some Cheshire East residents are facing delays to bin collections due to Covid-related sickness and staff shortages.

Ansa, who deliver waste and recycling services for Cheshire East Council, made the announcement regarding delays on their social media page on December 30.

A number of the scheduled rearranged Christmas collections that were due to take place on December 29 will now be attempted on January 4.

Ansa apologised for any inconvenience caused and told residents whose bin had not been collected by 6pm to take it back in and put it out again for 6.30am on January 4, Cheshire Live reports .

Coventry

A strike will take place from January 5 until January 14.

Recycling bins will not get collected again until the week commencing January 24, the Coventry Telegraph said .

During the strike on January 4 only people who live in flats and use a chute will have their bins collected, as well as assisted bins.

On January 7, residents who usually have their household waste bins collected will have them emptied.

From January 18, all household waste will be collected again as normal.

Manchester

Greater Manchester residents are being warned to expect delays in the coming days, the Manchester Evening News has said .

Staff shortages have already affected bin collections in regions such as Salford and Bury.

Nottinghamshire

Bin collections across some districts and boroughs of Nottinghamshire have been affected by Covid-related illness and isolation, according to Nottingham Live .

Waste collections in some areas are expected to be disrupted for “at least” the week starting December 31.

The Mansfield and Broxtowe regions have been most affected by staff shortages.

Mansfield District Council said: “Unfortunately we’ve been unable to empty some bins as a number of our lorry drivers are self isolating.

“We’ll provide more information about missed collections as soon as we can. You may wish to take excess waste to a recycling centre.

“Waste collections are likely to face ongoing disruption for at least the next week due to Covid cases.”