Bin collections hit by coronavirus

Not all bin collections are going ahead in Oldham, and other services are being disrupted as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus.

Council bosses say they are putting in place temporary changes to services and measures are being put in place to protect people from Covid-19.

And they are making preparations to ensure vital services continue to be delivered in case of a reduction in staff and potential increases in demand as infections increase.

Council leader Sean Fielding said the virus is a threat to ‘everyone in the borough and our workforce’.

But already residents are seeing changes to their everyday services – including to their rubbish collection.

In a statement on its website, the town hall said: “The coronavirus has had an impact on our waste and recycling service which means we are currently unable to carry out all bin collections.

“Our staff will attempt to carry out as many collections as possible with priority given to general rubbish and food collections.”

People are urged not to place garden waste out for collection in their green bins while the refuse team prioritise food waste collections.

In order to protect bin crews, if a household has a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus residents are to place ‘all used tissues and cleaning cloths in a plastic rubbish bag and tie it tightly when full’. 

“After 72 hours the bag should be then placed in a second bag and tied tightly before being placed in your general rubbish bin,” the council states.

Bins should be placed out for collection ‘as normal’, but if they are not emptied on their scheduled day they should be brought back in until the next scheduled collection day.

Residents should only contact the council to report missed collections of general rubbish in grey bins, and food waste in green bins.

They are currently prioritising new general rubbish and green waste bins for delivery, and there is a delay on all other waste containers.

Due to staff shortages as a result of coronavirus they cannot process requests for new dry recycling bins. 

There are also a number of other changes to services, including the closure of four libraries.

Fitton Hill Library, Greenfield Library, Limehurst Library and Northmoor Library have all shut their doors until further notice, as has the Local Studies and Archives Centre on Union Street.

All events and activities, including the live@thelibrary programme, readers and writers groups and early years offer have been cancelled until the end of April.

Access Oldham, the council’s customer reception will be providing a ‘significantly reduced’ face-to-face service over the coming days.

The Sunday car boot sale at Tommyfield market has been cancelled until further notice. 

Currently wedding ceremonies are still going ahead as planned, but people cancelling weddings at council venues will get a full refund. 

Coun Fielding said: “As a council we have a duty to protect our residents and unfortunately the coronavirus is a threat to everyone in the borough and our workforce.

“Given the choice we’d obviously have liked to have kept all services running as normal, but these are clearly unprecedented times and we have to follow government advice to help stop the disease spreading.

“Please continue to listen to public health advice rather than rumours on social media and protect yourself and your family and friends from sickness.

“Everyone can play their part and look out for your neighbours, especially if they vulnerable.

“If you can, volunteer. Look out for opportunities through Action Together – who now more than ever are relying on community support to help those most in need.

“One of Oldham’s strengths is its people and if we continue to work together then we will get through this.”

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