Thank you for your interest in this story

To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions

Exclusive discounts
Enjoy commenting on local issues

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Apr 2020

Coronavirus

Bin collection staff verbally abused for not picking up extra waste

Published: 27 Apr 2020, 12:52 BST

Updated: 27 Apr 2020, 13:54 BST

by Tamsin O'Brien

Unison says it is sad to report that a minority of people are verbally abusing collection teams and wants to make it clear that there are legal limits on how much the disposal trucks can carry...

The public sector workers union, unison, has called on a small minority of residents of the Harrogate district to stop verbally abusing the bin collection teams when they don't pick up all the curbside waste.

Branch secretary David Houlgate said

"There is a small minority that, maybe through frustration or anxiety caused by the lockdown, think its fine to verbally abuse the staff. Let’s be clear those staff are working at increased risk for themselves in delivering this vital service and do not deserve to be treated in such a way. This usually happens when a decision is taken not to take some items put out for waste removal.”

The teams of 120 workers who cover waste, recycling and green bin collections are having to deal with increased amounts being left for them on the side of roads. Currently all the recycling centres in North Yorkshire are closed.

The collection teams in Harrogate have also seen acts of gratitude and kindness with messages of thanks left on bins which Mr Houlgate said have been uplifting for the staff. Staff from the districts leisure centres and parks division have been pulled into work on waste collections- unison says there are legal limits on what the trucks can carry and guidelines on what the crews can and cannot collect.