Bin collection failure due to social distancing

Residents have been told that bins will not be collected for another two weeks.

Residents are furious and have taken to social media to vent their anger, particularly after learning they will have to wait a further two weeks for a new collection.

The failure occurred as a result of a meeting between bin men and the council over a safe method of working, including the two metre separation policy brought out by the government.

A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council said: “The council’s kerbside refuse collections resumed on Friday, March 27, after a temporary suspension the day before.

“The suspension was necessary so we could work with our staff to put in place safe working arrangements for our crews that comply with current social distancing guidelines.

“Unfortunately, the nationwide response to the coronavirus threat has had a significant impact on resources. Consequently, we are currently not in a position to empty the bins that were scheduled to be collected on Thursday, however the service is continuing to investigate potential options to uplift these bins.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and ask residents to bear with us during these unprecedented times.

“Bins scheduled to be collected on March 26 should be taken back in and re-presented at the next scheduled collection date, unless alternative arrangements are put in place which will be notified by social media.

“Where affected residents have additional waste because their bin was not emptied, we will lift excess waste placed and secured in black bags at the next collection. “