By Press Release
With soaring temperatures across the Island, residents are being asked to spare a thought for the hard-working waste collectors.
A Level 3 Heat-Health Alert has been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency as temperatures are predicted to hit 30C (86F) over the coming days.
The Isle of Wight Council is asking for residents’ understanding if waste collections are slower than usual as crews pace themselves and take the time they need to stay hydrated.
Amey, the council’s waste contractor, is making sure there are plenty of chilled water bottles, sun-cream and hats and even ice lollies on hand to keep their teams as cool as possible through the extreme heat.
The council is also reminding residents and visitors about the dangers of putting hot disposable barbecues and used coals in with their rubbish.
It’s essential that people ensure barbecues are extinguished before disposing of these to prevent fire. These fires can often have enormous consequences, damaging collection vehicles, and risking the lives of refuse workers.
To avoid accidental fires, drench ashes with water or let them cool completely for at least 48 hours.
Never put hot ash or part-burned materials from domestic or garden fires or barbecues or put used portable barbecues in the bin before they are completely cooled.
Residents are also asked to store any used batteries in a cool/dry place inside their home and only place them (in a clear sandwich bag) out on the day of their household waste collection, on top of their black bin or sack.
Natasha Dix, strategic manager for environment, said: “Heatwave conditions make what is already a physically tough job even more demanding for the waste and recycling crews.
“As a responsible employer, Amey is making sure its people have everything they need, but we hope that residents will understand, as I’m sure they do, if their bins are collected a little later than usual given the need for crews to pace themselves safely.”
Councillor Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for waste, added: “We would like to thank the crews for the hard work they do in keeping our beautiful Biosphere Island tidy, come rain or shine and even more so during the current period of soaring temperatures.
“All our key workers, who do such wonderful work to keep us safe and keep the Island going, deserve our thanks and appreciation.”
