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Statement on waste collections


21/07/21

"Like many local authorities across the UK, Cardiff Council is experiencing unprecedented challenges to maintain frontline services.

 

The impact of the Delta variant alongside the extreme hot weather, for which the MET Office has issued  a weather warning, is affecting our ability to deliver some services.

 

"The number of waste operatives having to self-isolate, or who have fallen ill has risen and this combined with the holiday season means we have been left with a significantly reduced workforce to collect waste across Cardiff.

 

Around a fifth of the drivers we require on a daily basis are currently unavailable for work and, due to the national shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, recruitment agencies are struggling to provide staff to cover sickness and holidays, as they would ordinarily do.

 

"Also, due to the very hot weather, our waste crews require more breaks so they can remain hydrated. These teams cover 12 miles a day on average undertaking very strenuous work. Their health is a key consideration for the council and we are doing our best to ensure they remain safe at work. This will, however, likely cause further delays in waste being collected.

 

"Despite the significant challenges that we face, Cardiff has taken the decision not to suspend non-essential services like garden waste collection, as some other councils have done. Instead we are working on unscheduled collection days to ensure that garden waste services can continue.

 

"It is clear that cases in Wales are rising as restrictions are lifted and it is anticipated that this will impact on our frontline workforce over the coming weeks.

 

"We would like to thank residents for their patience. If their waste hasn't been collected on their scheduled day. Please leave your waste outside your property on the kerbside and we will aim to collect it within 48 hours."