Wiltshire Council warning over private waste collection during bin strike
Plea to be careful if getting rid of rubbish
Last updated 15th Mar 2022
Wiltshire Council is warning people to take care when paying for private waste collection during the bin strikes.
It comes as the county’s recycling collections are suspended until Monday, March 21, amid ongoing industrial action with residents told not to put their black boxes and blue bins out.
The council says it has been made aware of several people offering tip runs or to empty bins for an extra charge.
In a post on Facebook, Wiltshire Council:
“Please note that if you decide to use these companies or individuals, the waste becomes commercial waste but remains your responsibility to ensure it is handled and disposed of safely and responsibly.
“It would be up to you to check they have a valid waste carrier’s licence, and where the waste would be disposed of.”
General waste and garden waste collections are still being collected however if your bin is missed you're advised to leave it out and in most cases it will be emptied the next day.
The industrial action is being taken in a row over pay between the council's waste contractor Hills Municipal Collections and the GMB union.
Meanwhile leader of Wiltshire Council Richard Clewer “strongly condemned” the actions of the GMB union, after picket lines resulted in sites being blockaded, leading to what he described as “major safety concerns”.
The GMB say they have "the right to peacefully protest" and claim three individuals have been struck by bin lorries.
You can find out more about the bin strike on Wiltshire Council's website.