Cllr Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Clean Streets, Waste and Recycling, writes about the latest position of the service modernisation for refuse collections…

As I stated in the last update, following the move to new routes and five-day working, we have been closely studying how well the new routes and shift patterns are working, and whilst I am aware that there are still some problems we are trying to resolve any outstanding issues.

Our hardworking crews are building local knowledge to ensure the most efficient routes are used - but everyone involved with this effort is clear that we do need to improve our performance so that your refuse and recycling is collected consistently.

Please accept our apologies if any of your bins are missed and be reassured that we are making the progress needed to get to where we need to be.

The garden waste collection season is coming to an end and we fully recognise this is a paid-for service, so will ensure outstanding cuttings and clippings are collected this week.

We also know there have been some issues in particular around assisted collections, where citizens need extra support from our crews to have their waste picked up. We have a plan in place to address this.

To make sure we make those final steps of improvement, we do need your help. Please do continue to let us know if your bins are missed via the contact centre, because it is only when we have this information that we can help smooth out any of the outstanding issues we have.

I want to again place on record that our crews have done a great job in the context of us reallocating 360,000 properties to our newly formed 176 teams just two-and-a-half months ago. 

Also, please don’t forget that now our round structures have changed, we are collecting from 5.30am on some routes so please ensure your bins are presented by then on your scheduled collection day, or after 3.30pm the day before.

Once again, I thank you for your patience over recent weeks and reiterate we are committed to build a waste service that reflects the needs of its citizens, delivering on the top priority for citizens – clean streets.

This blog was posted on 11 December 2018