From Monday 4 May, collections of green waste will restart in Torfaen.
At the outset of the Coronavirus pandemic, the council prioritised its general waste and recycling services, which resulted in green waste collections being suspended.
This decision was due to a loss of staff as a number of waste and recycling crews were either instructed to shield from the virus or went into self-isolation due to displaying symptoms of Coronavirus.
However, staff have now returned from isolation or sickness, and the council have redeployed staff from other areas of the council, so green waste collections can resume.
Cllr Mandy Owen, Torfaen’s Executive Member for the Environment, said: “I would like to thank our waste and recycling collection crews, and other colleagues from across the Council who have worked hard to maintain our priority collections. Being on the front line is a tough job, and the current situation has made the job even more difficult.
“The staff assisting the waste and recycling crews are learning on the job so collections will take a little longer and we cannot guarantee that all green bins will be emptied on your designated day. If your green bin hasn’t been emptied, please take it back in and put it out on your next collection day. Any streets that we miss will be prioritised on the next scheduled collection date.
“Due to the volume of green waste anticipated in the first few weeks, we will not be able to collect any additional green side waste put out for collection. Any extra green waste placed outside the green bin will not be collected. By only emptying the designated bin, we’ll aim to ensure most residents receive a collection within the next two weeks.
“We hope the public can bear with us during this unprecedented time. We will do our very best to sustain collections but the well-being of our staff is very important and we must abide by the Government rules on social distancing. Unfortunately, if staff absence levels go back up, the green waste service may need to be suspended again, as we will revert to prioritising food, card, recycling and the purple lidded bins.
“If you would like to show your support to our waste and recycling crews, don’t forget you can download one of our posters and get creative.”
Check your waste and recycling collection calendars here.
View our FAQ’s about green waste collections here.
Giles Davies 