Green waste collections to restart in Torfaen next week

Collections of green waste - which includes garden waste, grass cuttings and leaves - was suspended after members of Torfaen’s waste and recycling team were instructed to shield from coronavirus or went into self-isolation after displaying symptoms.

However, a combination of staff returning from sickness and a redeployment of staff from other areas means that green waste collection can resume on Monday.

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The council’s member for environment Cllr Mandy Owen has thanked the waste and recycling team for the work they’ve done so far.

She said: “The staff assisting the waste and recycling crews are learning on the job so collections will take a little longer and we cannot guarantee that all green bins will be emptied on your designated day.

“If your green bin hasn’t been emptied, please take it back in and put it out on your next collection day. Any streets that we miss will be prioritised on the next scheduled collection date.

“We hope the public can bear with us during this unprecedented time.

“We will do our very best to sustain collections but the well-being of our staff is very important and we must abide by the Government rules on social distancing.

“Unfortunately, if staff absence levels go back up, the green waste service may need to be suspended again, as we will revert to prioritising food, card, recycling and the purple lidded bins.”