Councils, waste disposal authorities, private waste companies across London and all those who help collect and process waste and recyclables in the capital, are working hard together to provide the best possible service while we are dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
Waste and recycling crews are designated as essential front-line workers during the crisis, and they continue to do a fantastic job during this challenging period.
We aim to work closely with our constituent boroughs to do everything we can to keep the streets clean; to continue collecting your rubbish and recyclables as often as possible while protecting the health of all our workers as well as the general public.
As most of us are now staying at home, it seems likely that this will create more household waste and put pressure on our recycling and waste services.
Although all of London’s councils are still running collections from households, most local household tips and recycling centres across the city are experiencing SEVERE queues and delays – please only visit strictly for ESSENTIAL USE ONLY. Many councils are experiencing staff shortages due to sickness leading the need to make changes to services like garden waste collections and the removal of bulky items such as mattresses, white goods or furniture.
The situation is fluid and incredibly challenging, so we need your help, patience and understanding to make sure the service can continue to be delivered as efficiently and safely as possible.
You can help by:
- If you’re self-isolating and feeling ill, putting any potentially infected items like used tissues or cleaning cloths into separate plastic bags and double-bagging them. These bags should then be set aside for at least 72 hours (3 days) before you put them out into your external bin
- Regularly checking on your local council’s website for updates on types and frequencies of recycling collection where you live. Do also check what can and can’t be recycled.
- NOT taking any of your waste and recycling to your local tip or recycling centre as many are now shut and the Government does not deem it as an essential journey.
- Minimising the amount of rubbish, recycling and food waste you produce. Every little reduction makes a huge difference to maintaining a smooth-running service for everyone.
- Avoiding big clear-outs while at home, which will create more rubbish and recycling for council crews to collect. Please hold onto large items such as furniture, mattresses etc. until the outbreak has subsided; and do not dispose of waste on a bonfire as the smoke causes air pollution and has potential health effects for you and your neighbours.
- Continuing to wash your hands regularly, maintaining good hygiene when handling your rubbish and recycling and keeping your distance (at least 2 metres) when the workers are doing their collections where you live.
Last updated 26/03/2020 13:26
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