In light of the current situation with COVID19, Walsall Council like many others is working hard to maintain key front line public services, and like many other businesses and service providers we are also facing the same problems with self-isolation, Government restrictions and impact on our staff. 

With this in mind, we are prioritising the emptying of grey and green household waste and recycling bins every two weeks.  We are aware that with more people at home at this time there is the potential for more waste to be created, further we are aware of social media commentary suggesting the same.  Unfortunately, to ensure everyone gets a two week collection it is not possible to collect additional side waste at this time.

Garden waste collections that were due to commence on 6 April 2020 have been suspended until further notice to ensure resources are available to maintain the priority services above.

The local Household Waste & Recycling Centre sites are closed after our contractor decided to close both sites due to their own staffing concerns.  Furthermore, this activity does not fall under any of the four essential reasons for travel at this time.

The collection of bulky household items has also been temporarily suspended.

We are asking for everyone’s support at this difficult time to make services run as smoothly as possible.  Everyone can help by simply placing their bin out by 6.30am on the scheduled collection day; not presenting side waste as we do not have the operational capacity to take additional waste at this time; ensuring bin lids are closed for the safety of our collection staff; and ensuring the right items are placed in the right bin so we can ensure you we continue to empty your bin each time. 

Current Defra guidance advises that waste should be held for 72 hours prior to placing out for collection due to potential contamination, particularly where residents have had symptoms or been in self-isolation.  Therefore waste should be stored at the property for 72 hours and then placed in the bin for the collection day. 

Simple measures that can be taken to help create capacity in your bin at this time:

•            Ensure the correct items in correct bin

•            Squashing card boxes, pop bottles, crushing tins etc. to increase capacity in your green recycling bins.

•            Items that do not need to go in the bin at this point in time that can be stored safely in the shed, garage etc. such as clothing, children’s old   toys, shoes, DIY materials etc. then try to do so, as these can be taken to the tip or collected at a later date when services normalise. 

•            Use your grey bin for priority more offensive items such as food waste, nappies, takeaway containers etc. that need to be taken away every two weeks to help manage grey bin capacity.

We all need to work together, adjust our behaviours and help each other in these unprecedented times.

Dr Helen Paterson

Chief Executive

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