Resident injured after tripping on recycling bags amid fears of ‘slap-dash’ service by Ubico
Questions have been raised about the service.
Last updated 29th Nov 2024
A Cotswold resident was severely injured after tripping on discarded recycling bags on the road amid concerns over “slap-dash” bin collections by Ubico.
This came to light at Cotswold District Council (CDC) on Wednesday (November 27th) as full council was told emptied bins and bags are being “just left on the road” by collection crews rather than being returned to their original position.
Councillor Tony Slater (Conservative, Grumbolds Ash with Avening) said he has been receiving many complaints about the issue and the service provided by Ubico, the firm which is wholly-owned by eight local authorities including CDC.
“I am also aware of a Cotswold resident sustaining severe injuries caused by tripping on recycling bags discarded on the road.
“The current slap-dash approach not only leaves the council open to compensation claims but also undermines our commitment to fostering ‘pride in place’, often leaving the street scene in a state of disarray.
“What measures are in place and what training is being given to ensure the bin crews leave empty bins and bags in a safe and tidy position?”
Economy and environment cabinet member Tristan Wilkinson (Lib Dem, Lechlade, Kempsford and Fairford South) said he was aware of the “clearly disturbing” incident which highlighted the importance of leaving empty receptacles in a tidy way at the roadside.
He said council leaders were following the issue up with Ubico and the council is developing an online system to allow residents to report poor container returns.
“This is part of an end-to-end review of how our residents interact with the service. We anticipate the improved functionality for customers to go live in January 2025.
“In addition, visual crew checks are regularly undertaken by contractor and council staff to ensure a good quality of container returns and services generally.
"Where poor container returns are seen, crews are retrained as necessary.”
He said it is really important the council acknowledges that such incidents should not happen: “There is a standard of delivery we hold them to.
“Where they fail to meet it we look for reasons why, we look for reassurance that the training ongoing is robust enough and having the impact.”
He said where the service does fall short it is often where they bring in contractors and agency staff. “They don’t always adhere to the same level of standard as the Ubico crew,” he said.
Ubico has been approached for comment.