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Severe Weather

In the event of severe weather disrupting waste and recycling collections, service updates and catch-up arrangements will be posted on our website on the updates page and on social media.

 

Hot Weather

During periods of hot weather, waste and recycling crews may start their rounds earlier (from 6am) to allow them to work in cooler conditions. Changes to crew start times will be advertised ahead of earlier collections taking place. Where possible, please put your bin and recycling containers out the night before. 

 

Windy weather

If you have a collection during windy weather, you can help to keep your neighbourhood tidy by doing the following:

  • Put your waste and recycling containers out on the morning of collection, as close to, but no later than 7am, and bring them in as soon as possible after collection.
  • To reduce the risk of containers being blown over, place them in a sheltered spot, e.g. against a fence.
  • Ensure the handle of the food waste caddy is in the locked position.
  • Don’t overfill your green box.
  • Ensure bin lids are closed (We have a closed lid policy – bins presented with open lids will not be collected)
  • If practical, you may wish to wait to include lighter materials in the recycling box until the next collection.

Collection crews will pick up materials they drop or spill, but not any items that are already in the street when they arrive. We are very grateful to our residents who help to clear up any escaped recycling when it’s windy.

 

Snow and Ice

  • If your waste, recycling or garden waste is freezing inside the bins and caddies, give it a shake on the morning of your collection day to loosen it and ensure it can be fully emptied by the crews.
  • Check on the morning of collection that your bin lids are not frozen shut.
  • Wherever possible, try to keep your containers in a sheltered location before presenting on collection day to reduce the possibility of freezing.
  • During adverse road conditions, we will only collect waste and recycling from households where it is safe to do so, typically main roads, bus routes and other pre-salted roads.
  • In particularly cold conditions, it may be necessary to suspend waste and recycling collections in some areas. Our lorries can weigh up to 26 tonnes, so we have to consider the risk of injury to the public and staff, damage to property, and the likelihood that vehicles may become stuck and cause further disruption. An increase in parked cars on streets during bad weather can also stop our vehicles getting into or out of a street safely.
  • If collections are suspended, please leave your containers out until advised otherwise. If conditions do not improve, and it is unlikely that your containers will be emptied, please take them back into your property and present them on your next collection day (check our website and social media for the latest information).
  • If you have excess waste as a result of a suspended collection, please take it to the Household Recycling Centre at Hempsted if you can.
  • Garden waste collections may be suspended or delayed during severe weather conditions.