Waste plans on track
Date Published : 24 July 2008
Plans are well on track to tackle uncollected household waste in the wake of industrial action.
Around two per cent of homes in Walsall have experienced disruption to their bin collections.
But contingency plans drawn-up came into force on Wednesday July 23 and are progressing well, waste chiefs say.
Councillor Rachel Walker, Walsall Council cabinet member for environment, said: “While we would not wish to downplay the effect on those families affected it’s clear the vast majority of Walsall people have not experienced problems.
“A drive around the streets of Walsall will show that we are tackling the problem and contingency plans are working.
“Extra collections have been made on household bins and isolated bin bags left on the street.
“Problems with isolated bin bags is no longer a major issue and we estimate around two per cent of homes have or are experiencing a later bin collection this week.
“It’s important for us to stress that we simply won’t pay overtime to reward strike action on what was a national dispute. I think the people of Walsall understand and support that.”
Councillor Walker praised the hard work of staff in collecting waste.
Bags of waste which were not collected by crews on Wednesday July 23 and Thursday July 24 are being picked up by extra teams of household waste collectors.
Street Pride litter hit squads have also been working hard to deal with the backlog of uncollected bags.
Around 800 homes did not have their bins collected by the end of Wednesday were scheduled to have collections today(Thursday 24 July). Collection efforts in part were hampered by a mechanical failure to a household waste lorry.
Up to 1,500 homes who were due to have their household refuse bins collected today(Thursday 24 July) could experience a collection tomorrow(Friday 25 July).
This is due to the backlog of waste collection caused by the industrial action.
Council staff have been working hard to deal with queries about waste collection arrangements this week.
For further information on waste collection log on at www.walsall.gov.uk/rubbish_waste_and_recycling or call the helpline of 01922 653344.
Contact us
Telephone 01922 653344
Website www.walsall.gov.uk