Bin collections during coronavirus lockdown: Will my bins still be collected?
AS the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep the UK on lockdown, households across the UK could face disruption to their rubbish collection.
Following the Prime Minister's announcement that all non-essential establishments will shut, families have been left wondering if their local council will be the next to be affected.
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Boris Johnson has released a list of shops that are allowed to stay open, which include supermarkets, pharmacies, newsagents, banks and Post Offices.
In addition, vets, pet shops, petrol stations, off licences, launderettes, and hardware stores are also allowed to stay open as they are considered to provide essential services.
So far, some councils have shut certain departments while others have continued to serve the public.
Here's what you need to know about how the spread of coronavirus could affect your household waste collection.
How do I know if my rubbish collection will be affected by coronavirus?
You'll need to contact your local council to find out if they're making any changes to your bin collection schedule.
The government has a where you can find out the contact information for your local authority.
To find your local council, enter your postcode and the web page will bring up the relevant website.
Your council should be running a dedicated page on their website with any changes that are happening due to coronavirus.
Your council may also ask you to consider what you're putting into your rubbish if you're self-isolating.
is asking households not to put any personal waste such as used tissues into waste bins until it has been stored for 72 hours.
Some local authorities have already altered their bin collection routine in light of the epidemic, while others are operating as normal.
For example, has stopped garden and food waste collections, but says normal waste and recycling collections will carry on.
has also suspended bulky waste collections.
It's likely your council will have contingency plans in place in the event of having to scale down their rubbish collections.
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Why might my bin collection by disrupted?
Disruption to services could happen due to lack of workforce.
has had to reduce their collection due to staffing levels.
In all areas across the country, staff or family members could be experiencing symptoms and having to self-isolate, or they could be in the high risk category.
has decided to introduce weekly general waste collections, but has temporarily suspended food and recyclable disposal.
Household waste and recycling centres across the country have also been closed in line with Government guidelines.
Residents are requested to store rubbish appropriately until it can be disposed of correctly.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government said: "The Government stands ready to do whatever is necessary to support councils in their response to coronavirus.
"We are working with them and the waste industry to ensure that waste collections are prioritised to protect the environment and human health."
Can I still touch my bin?
You should always thoroughly wash your hands after handling waste and bins.
Government advice is to wash for 20 seconds.
It is probably worth cleaning your wheelie bin with wipes before and after collection and you could also use gloves for protection.
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