Waste and Recycling Collections Update

Published on 24 December 2010

The offices will be closed until Tuesday 4 January 2011. We will not be able to respond to your enquiry until this time.

Updates on council services affected by the severe weather will posted here on the council website and an information message on our waste and recycling services is available for you to listen to by dialling 01992 564608.

Epping Forest District Council is working hard to ensure that refuse and recycling collections remain on target throughout the severe weather.

Frequently Asked Questions on Refuse and Recycling Collections in the severe weather (pdf 284 KB)

Severe weather brings serious disruption

Refuse and recycling teams are continuing to work as local temperatures reach minus 9 (and possibly as low as minus 15 in places) and snow covers the district. Side roads and steep hills are proving difficult. It is likely that refuse teams will not be able to make all scheduled collections as the severe weather continues in the next few days. However, they are still out making collections wherever possible.

Councillor Mary Sartin, Environment Portfolio Holder thanked the refuse and recycling teams for their determination to keep going. She said: "There are not many more difficult jobs than refuse collection in weather like this. I would like to thank SITA and all their staff for the great work they are doing. The teams are making good use of the main roads which although icy are relatively clear of snow. Side roads where the snow is still lying are much more difficult. The teams have to make judgements on what is safe and sensible when a fully laden refuse freighter weighs up to 40 tonnes."

"There is a strong chance of a snowy holiday period. If the low temperatures continue and more snow falls, some disruption of refuse and recycling over Christmas will be inevitable. I would like to thank all our residents for bearing with us. We will have extra people on duty and plans to catch up any backlog should it arise."

"If your waste or recycling collection has not been made by 4pm on your scheduled day of collection it means that the severe weather and adverse road conditions have prevented us from reaching your property. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and would ask you to take your bins, bags and boxes back onto your property and place them out again for collection on your next scheduled day. Your next scheduled day can be found on your waste & recycling calendar, the Council’s website or within the Forester magazine."

"The weather could change suddenly. We will keep you up to date with any changes to services as quickly as we can - keep an eye on the council website www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk ".

Useful Links:

• Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself (Directgov website)

• School closures and road gritting (Esssex CC website)

• You can also receive updates by joining us on Facebook and Twitter

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