Garden waste collections in the District of Blaby will be suspended for two weeks from Monday 16 November due to staff shortages as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
A number of the waste collection crew are required to self isolate as part of the national test and trace effort. As a result, the Council has taken a decision to suspend its garden waste collection service for a two week period from Monday 16 to Friday 27 November 2020.
The health and safety of residents and employees is Blaby District Council’s highest priority and whilst every effort has been made to minimise disruption, the staff shortages will impact on service delivery in the short to medium term.
Suspending the garden waste service will help the Council to focus resources so that refuse and recycling collections can continue as normal.
Councillor David Freer, Corporate Services and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder, said: “The decision to suspend the garden waste collection service for two weeks has not been taken lightly.
“This sensible approach is needed to keep our collections teams safe, and to protect our refuse and recycling collections so that they continue as normal.
“I’d ask residents to keep an eye on our website and our social media for updates.”
Residents are being asked to help reduce the spread of the virus by washing hands and sanitising bin handles before and after touching wheelie bins or rubbish bags. Washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before and after handling waste containers helps to keep residents, their families and and waste collection crews safe.