The Isle of Wight Council is encouraging Islanders to recycle right during the Coronavirus crisis (Covid-19).
Although the Island’s household recycling centres are currently closed to the public following government guidelines, normal kerbside bin collections continue to take place.
Continuing with minimal disruption
Islanders are already among the best in the country for recycling and the authority is pulling out all the stops to ensure waste collection services continue with minimal disruption at this challenging time.
Councillor Steve Hastings, Cabinet member for waste and recycling management, said:
“With people staying at home all day during the pandemic, household waste levels are expected to increase putting extra pressure on kerbside collections.
“We wish to remind people that we have limited capacity in our collection vehicles and so we need residents to help.”
Measures to take
Right now, there are certain measures everyone can take to reduce pressure on the kerbside collection service and keep people safe:
- If you have symptoms of Coronavirus, make sure you double-bag your waste (especially tissues and cleaning cloths) and store it safely for 72 hours before placing it in your usual black wheelie bin or gull sack.
- Do not create excess waste you’d usually need to take to the tip. This includes large DIY jobs or house clearances. Do not hand your rubbish to an unlicensed waste carrier for disposal.
- Continue to keep rubbish and recycling separated.
- Try to minimise the amount of waste your household produces.
- Park responsibly. Make sure you leave enough room for our larger vehicles to pass and turn safely.
More info
The council’s bulky waste service is still operating as normal for the removal of large items from your home, as are green waste collections.
Food waste will continue to be collected weekly and residents can order a new food caddy on the council’s Website.
People can still subscribe to the green waste collection scheme on the council Website but the deadline is tomorrow (26 March).
Hastings: Waste collection crews putting their own safety at risk
Councillor Hastings added:
“Waste collection crews continue to work on the frontline of this health crisis, potentially putting their own safety at risk to provide this essential and much-valued council service.
“They are doing their bit to keep the Island’s streets clear of large build ups of rubbish and we should do all we can to support them and that means recycling right. Their safety is of utmost importance and we must take every precaution, double-bagging waste where necessary, to ensure this.
“I want to thank everyone for playing their part in helping us keep these vital services going and to our front-line workers who are working hard to ensure everyone’s waste continues to be dealt with safely and responsibly.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office. Ed
