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Some blue lidded bin and green waste recycling collection services have been disrupted on 20 May - visit Missed bin collection for further information.
If you suspect you have COVID-19, put waste tissues, wipes and disposal PPE (including disposal face masks) into a plastic bag and tie it when full. You can also put disposable cloths or wipes, used to clean hard surfaces such as kitchen worktops and bathrooms, in this bag. Once the bag is full, double bag it in a second bin bag and tie it up. Store the bags for 72 hours (three days) and then please place them in your normal wheeled bin. If you don't receive a wheeled bin collection, please make sure a council-issued bag label is placed on the outside of the double-bagged waste. Please see the latest Defra guidance on cleaning your home and disposing of waste.
We understand the concerns over waste collection staff working as 3 person crews. The council's contractors have been closely following the guidance from government, Public Health England, the NHS and the Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) Forum since the start of the pandemic. This guidance has been regularly reviewed and continues to state that good hygiene is the most important control in preventing the spread of COVID-19, combined with cleaning hard surfaces in vehicles regularly. The crews are encouraged to wash their hands regularly, not touch their eyes, nose or mouth and, where possible, ventilate vehicle cabs when travelling. If staff have symptoms (or if someone in their household has symptoms) they are told not to come in for their shift and to arrange to take a COVID-19 test and follow government procedures. The WISH guidance recognises that for large rural counties such as Wiltshire, it's not possible to restrict crew sizes without having a significant impact on waste and recycling collections. The crews also work in small "bubbles" wherever possible and follow social distancing guidelines at all times whilst at the depot. By strictly following this guidance and practice, the frontline waste and recycling collections have been able to continue to operate.
Industry guidance advises that face coverings are not currently required to be worn during waste and recycling collection activities. This is because there may be additional risks when undertaking manual work as the face coverings may need to be regularly adjusted and changed by placing hands close to the eyes, nose and mouth. Additionally, face coverings may become moist and trap contaminants which could be then be transmitted to the wearer due to the prolonged time they would be worn during collection activities. Crews members are allowed to wear a face covering should they choose to do so, and are provided with face coverings and advice on how to use them safely.
Please don't put in any items that can be recycled in your black box, blue-lidded plastics and cardboard bin or garden waste bin - see Kerbside recycling
Do not put in batteries, household and garden chemicals or gas bottles
If you are recycling all that you can and still have difficulty fitting all of your waste in your bin, we can assess if you need a larger or additional one
In some cases we will carry out a waste audit before approving your request. All households with a larger bin will have an annual review (which may include a waste audit)
We will not provide a larger bin if you create more waste due to keeping pets
Please go to the forms menu and complete the 'Request a larger bin/container' in the 'Need Help With Your Bins' section. Click here to go to the forms menu.
All waste should be bagged before it is put in your bin. We recommend that anything that may cause smells should be double-bagged (e.g. nappies, food waste, etc.)
To avoid flies and maggots make sure the bin lid is securely shut and store your bins out of direct sun light in hot weather if possible
We also recommend you regularly clean your bins using bleach
Our standard household waste bins are black 180 litre containers
Bins previously issued by former district councils may vary in size and colour
All new containers delivered will be of the council's standard size
If you find it difficult to put out your rubbish and recycling bins or bags, you can apply online for an assisted collection or by calling us on 0300 456 0102.
