Hounslow Borough Refuse Collections Hit By Driver Shortage | ||||||
Rubbish being left in the street for over a week Driver shortage is affecting the regularity of collections
Problems with refuse collection in the borough of Hounslow appear to be intensifying with the council admitting to 'severe disruptions in the service." It is understood that the main reason for the issues are an increasing number of drivers qualified to operate the bin lorries quitting for better paid work driving HGVs. Some residents say that they have been unable to arrange for alternative pick ups for missed collections and have been left with a fortnight's worth of waste. In a statement issued on Wednesday 20 October the council says, "Hounslow is currently experiencing severe disruptions to waste and recycling collections due to unforeseen circumstances. "We understand that collection delays are frustrating and we’re sorry for disruption where it occurs. If your collection has been missed please report it using our online form via our website. "We will ensure your collection is made at an alternative time over the next few days." The following day Cabinet Member for Highways, Recycling and Companies, Cllr Guy Lambert said, “We are currently experiencing disruption in waste and recycling collections across the borough. "The pandemic and shortages of qualified HGV drivers have caused exacerbating strain on our excellent Recycle 360 workforce. “This extraordinary pressure resulted in a short interruption to our full waste and recycling service yesterday which is now resolved. The Council and Recycle 360 are working together to effectively respond to the ever increasing demand in the service. “Despite these challenges we will work hard to continue to provide a regularly uninterrupted service just like we did throughout the pandemic. “Recycle 360 crews have already commenced work to catch up with every missed collection across the borough. "The delay yesterday will regrettably cause some delays for other residents as we work through the backlog. "Crews will continue to make collections throughout the week including the weekend. “Residents are advised to present their bin and recycling boxes for collection on the normal day of collection and leave it out until it has been collected. “We recognise that delays are frustrating and we’re sorry for disruption where it has occurred." The council did admit to ‘minor disruptions’ to waste and recycling collections in the borough back in September with a number of residents complaining about missed collections and rubbish left in the street for over a week. The council at that time asked residents to minimising the amount of rubbish, recycling and food waste they produce and avoid doing big clear outs of their homes. Councillor Guy Lambert, Cabinet Member for Highways, Recycling and Companies said, “We are committed to providing a full service, where possible, despite these challenges.
October 22, 2021 |