A timely reminder for the season: Vale of White Horse District Council is reminding residents that crews can only empty household wheelie bins if the lids are fully closed.
Crew members check to make sure that the waste is fully contained within each bin. They need to do this because there is a real risk that an overfilled bin won’t attach properly to the lifting equipment at the rear of the collection vehicle. In such cases, bins can end up being thrown from the lift, causing a serious danger to collection staff, the public and motorists who might be in the vicinity. Waste can also drop from overfilled bins while they are being wheeled to the collection vehicle, creating a street cleansing issue and encouraging vermin.
Waste collection is one of the jobs with the highest risk of injury in the UK. Crews are trained in manual handling techniques, but overfilled bins can undermine this – it’s human nature to try and catch falling items. Bin lids must be fully closed in order for the bin to be emptied on the scheduled collection day. This requirement applies to all wheelie bins – including general rubbish, recycling and garden waste. If a household has more waste than will fit in their bin with the lid shut, residents should:
* for general rubbish and garden waste – hold it back for next time or take to their local Household Waste and Recycling Centre (you won’t get charged for household waste)
* for recycling – put extra items in a clear plastic sack or cardboard box and leave it next to the bin for collection.