Monmouthshire County Council has taken the difficult decision to cease its garden waste collections from Friday 3rd April until further notice. The council has strived to deliver its waste and recycling services as far as possible, but the number of colleagues within the collections team having to self-isolate in light of the COVID-19 pandemic has made this position increasingly demanding. In addition, the government has requested non-essential services are locked down to preserve life and reduce the spread of the corona virus.
This follows last week’s closure of household waste recycling centres across the country. The council has tried to maintain other services as long as possible, but the safety of residents and collection staff is paramount. Reducing non-essential services will allow the council to continue to operate priority waste collections.
Collections of residual waste, food waste and recyclables will continue for as long as possible and releasing garden waste vehicles will help maintain these core services. Additional factors leading to the decision are that supermarkets are unable to store and issue garden bags and containers safely and the closure of certain parts manufacturers may reduce the number of council vehicles in operation.
Customers who have already paid for the service will have their permit extended when the collections service starts again.
Supermarkets and other retailers will continue to stock the council’s red, purple and food waste bags.
Councillor Jane Pratt, cabinet member responsible for recycling and waste said: “We are acutely aware that a great many householders have only just paid for the garden waste collection service and that some are yet to receive their first collection. This is not a decision that has been taken lightly.
“Our priority must be protecting the lives of residents and our dedicated team of workers while maintaining our core services as long as possible. We ask that you bear with us. We will do all we can to restart the service as quickly as possible.”
She continued: “I would ask that residents do not phone the call centre about garden waste collections at this time. Staff are fully engaged dealing with high volumes of calls regarding vulnerable residents with health conditions. Many of these have been told to self-isolate, so are in need of support to receive food and medical supplies. I am sure everyone will understand that these people’s needs must be prioritised.”
The resumption of garden waste collections will happen as soon as possible.
Meanwhile the council has suggested practical measures residents could adopt to help reduce garden waste. The cutting height of lawnmowers could be raised, while mowing more frequently without collecting clippings will help fertilise the ground and reduce the amount of waste for disposal. Home composting offers a viable alternative for treating and storing garden material, provides a long-term soil improver and is a practical option while garden collections are suspended.
For further information on the council’s waste and recycling service visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste