Below is a statement from our District Councillor, Colin Swindell.
I have made the following statement to all residents in my ward which I hope you will read and find helpful. Although I’ve received some hostile complaints from people mainly outside of my ward about the state of waste collections, I’m pleased to say that I haven’t had any from Elton or Winster. So thank you for your patience and understanding.
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Dear resident
Over the past few days I have received a number of complaints about the bin crews not collecting recycling waste from some properties. Some of these complaints have been reasonable in their approach – others not so much.
I wanted to write to you on this issue by first explaining why some recycling collections are being missed and what is expected of residents. Also below is a reminder of the temporary changes to your waste collection and reality check on the situation we find ourselves in.
When the Coronavirus spread across the UK, people who have underlying health conditions – or live with somebody with a health condition – made the decision to self-isolate. This was to protect their health and well-being and that of their families.
A number of those who chose to self-isolate were members of Serco’s waste collection teams. With the job of waste collection being outdoors and dealing with potentially contaminated waste, crew members were put at a high risk of infection. This meant that some took the decision to self-isolate, resulting in the staff levels and crews significantly reducing in a matter of days.
The District Council and Serco were faced with an immediate problem and had to make quick decisions on how best to continue delivering waste collection services. There were few options and, whichever one was taken, would undoubtedly result in fewer bins being emptied.
With limited staff, the decision was made to prioritise the collection of general household waste over all other types of waste. This was the best option to ensure public health was not put at risk. Food waste would still be collected, but changed to a fortnightly collection alongside residual waste. Garden waste collections would be suspended temporarily.
With crews prioritising the collection of residual waste, it had resulted in many households not having their recycling bins and containers collected. Sadly, this could be the case for several more weeks. I can only apologise if your waste collection has been affected.
Although not ideal, in the short term these decisions are practical and sensible. It will ensure general waste continues to be removed in the interests of public health. Other waste can be stored safely at residents’ homes with less smell and chance of infestation.
I understand and appreciate some of the concerns that have been raised about this approach and that residents are keen to have their waste removed at the earliest opportunity. It is also reasonable and right for residents to expect answers as to how and when their waste will be collected.
I want to reassure you that the Chief Executive of Derbyshire Dales District Council and Serco are in talks to find a solution. A contingency plan will be announced soon which will set out how recycling collections will happen during this emergency situation. As soon as clear plan is in place, I will communicate it to residents.
But as much as I sympathise with some of the frustrations expressed, I think it is only fair that we stop and take a reality check.
These are difficult and unprecedented times for everybody. Councils and public services are facing challenges that they never thought they would have to face. Across the country and here in the Dales, public servants are on the frontline putting their health and lives at risk on a daily basis to continue providing the best possible services they can. They go out to work, so you can stay home and stay safe.
It is, therefore, only right that I ask residents to show patience and give a little bit of time to allow our waste collection crews and council staff to resolve these issues. By storing your recycling and garden waste a little longer you can play your part in supporting our hard working and overstretched waste crews and council staff.
With so much to worry about at this time, it’s not a lot to ask and a small price to pay to ensure their health, wellbeing and lives are kept safe.
Like many frontline key workers, our waste crews selflessly continue to put themselves at risk by going out to do their job so you can stay at home and stay safe. They deserve your appreciation and gratitude.
I apologise again and thank you for your patience and understanding during these exceptional times.
Stay safe.
Colin Swindell
District Councillor
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Changes to your waste collections
* Garden waste collections (green bins and sacks) have been suspended until further notice. Please compost where you can.
* Food waste (food caddy) will now be collected fortnightly along with your general household waste (grey bin or black sacks).
* As crews and resources are limited, there will be a focus on collecting general household waste. This could mean your recyclable waste (blue bins, boxes and bags) might not be collected at all.
* If your recycling waste is not collected on your usual day, please assume crews will not return for it. Please return your bins and container to your property and store it as best you can.
* Please only report a missed collection for general household waste (grey bin or black sacks). Please do not attempt to log a missed collection for recycling waste as staff shortages mean we cannot return for it.
* If your village/street does not have its recycling waste collected, please present it for collection on the next scheduled collection date. Please note, however, that during these exceptional times there is no guarantee it will be taken away.
* If you are running out of the biodegradable food bags the council is happy for people to put food waste direct into the kerbside caddy (it would be good if you could wash it out afterwards) or add their kitchen caddy to the kerbside collection. This is acceptable during these exceptional circumstances.
* The council is currently liaising with SERCO on contingency arrangements to deal with the recycling collections. As soon as arrangements have been agreed, I will ensure that residents are notified.
For the latest Coronavirus advice, support and service updates go to http://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/coronavirus
Cllr Colin Swindell
District Councillor for Winster and South Darley Ward
Derbyshire Dales District Council
Address: Laburnum Cottage, Well Street, Elton, Matlock DE4 2BY
Mobile: 07816 986 956
Email: colin.swindell@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
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Elton, Derbyshire 
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