Garden waste collections to be suspended in west Berkshire
Covid driver shortages force council to make changes for first part of the new year
Garden waste collections are to be suspended in west Berkshire next week.
The council say they are concerned about driver shortages and say temporarily suspending the garden service will allow them focus on general waste and recycling.
They say they also plans a shake up of collection routes in February.
West Berkshire Council say they've taken the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend the green bin garden and food waste collection service for one collection from Tuesday 28 December 2021 until Saturday 8 January 2022 (inclusive). All services will resume as normal from Monday 10 January 2022.
Cllr Steve Ardagh-Walter, Executive Member for the Environment at West Berkshire Council, said:
“We have not taken the decision to put garden and food waste collections on hold lightly, and I understand that some residents may be frustrated by this service disruption.
“We have listened to feedback from our residents received earlier this year and believe it is more prudent to have a planned and proactive service suspension so that inconvenience is reduced and other key waste collections can be protected.
“In the longer term, our planned reorganisation of routes will strengthen our kerbside collection service and improve the efficient use of available staff and vehicles. We are grateful for our residents continued support and understanding.”
Garden Waste and Christmas Trees:
Garden waste, including real Christmas trees, can be disposed of at Household Waste recycling Centres (HWRCs) free of charge. Please ensure you book an appointment via www.westberks.gov.uk/clickandtip before you visit.
Residents can also home compost where possible.
Real Christmas trees will be collected on the first scheduled garden/food waste collection in January 2022 once the service has resumed.
Food waste:
The council is asking residents to try and reduce food waste generation over the holiday season and beyond.
Residents can also home compost where possible.
The council will collect any food waste in your green bin when the service resumes.
If you would rather dispose of your food waste sooner it can temporarily be taken to Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) for disposal.