Councils across the UK have warned of “wave of waste” due to local tips and recycling centres closing during the Coronavirus crisis.
Concerns over spiralling household waste during the coronavirus outbreak have prompted councils to issue a plea to residents to minimise the rubbish they throw away, and to avoid burning this on bonfires.
The District Councils’ Network has concerns that a “wave of waste” will emerge from households in the coming weeks, as families generate more waste and recycling while rightly staying safe at home and in some cases, as a result of having stocked up with food and other goods they need.
It wants residents to work with their local council to best manage bin collections.
This coincides with some councils having to reduce certain waste services, such as garden waste collections, as a result of many waste collection staff needing to self-isolate or to recover from illness.
Councils in the local area have also closed recycling centres as part of social distancing measures to discourage non-essential travel.
It says that while many will be using the current period as an opportunity to spring clean their home or do some gardening, residents are asked to be mindful of how and where they dispose of their waste.
Councils are now advising households to consider how they can store waste or arrange for it to be safely collected during the current restrictions, and is issuing the following guidance to residents:-
- Contact your council to see if they are still operating paid for bulky waste collection
- Private companies offer this as well but people need to check any company they use is properly registered for handling waste by the Environment Agency
- Try and compost any garden waste at home
- Cut down cardboard boxes so they can be put into the appropriate recycling bin – this makes life much easier for waste collection staff
- Store any excess waste from DIY projects, spring cleans or garden waste at home until it can be disposed of safely and legally
DCN is also urging residents against burning rubbish on bonfires, especially hazardous waste, following a spate of incidents across the country that contribute to air pollution and disturbance for neighbours who may be self-isolating.