Bin collections have resumed

Bin collections have resumed across South Lanarkshire after they were temporarily suspended last week.

South Lanarkshire Council halted uplifts on Thursday, March 26, while they reviewed the coronavirus risk to their refuse staff.

However the decision attracted criticism amongst many residents, who were at a loss as to how they were going to get their waste uplifted and feared that it could encourage rats on their streets.

Paul Ford posted on Facebook:“queue a huge uprise of fly-tipping and a huge increase of rats which will cost the council more in the long run. I can understand why they’re doing it, but it’s going to cost them much more in the long run.”

However just hours later, the local authority u-turned on their decision.

Posting on their social media page South Lanarkshire Council said:“the council’s kerbside refuse collections will resume tomorrow, Friday, March 27, after today’s temporary suspension.

“The temporary suspension was necessary so we could work with our staff to put in place safe working arrangements for our refuse collection crews that comply with current social distancing guidelines.

“Bins due for collection on Friday, March 27, should be presented at the kerbside as normal.

“Unfortunately, the nationwide response to the coronavirus threat has had a significant impact on resources across both public and private sectors. Consequently, we are currently not in a position to empty the bins that were scheduled to be collected on Thursday, March 26.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and ask residents to bear with us during these unprecedented times.

“Bins scheduled to be collected on Thursday, March 26, should be returned to their storage area and re-presented at the next scheduled collection date.

“Where affected residents have additional waste because their bin was not emptied today, we will lift excess waste at the next collection. However, please note that bulky waste will not be uplifted as side waste.

“At that this point in time we intend to maintain a full kerbside services, however will keep this under review as it will depend on the resources available.

“The council is continuing discussions with our civic amenity site operator Viridor who have suspended operations at the present time, with a view to offering a level of service if possible.”