Page 26 - br-oct-2021

October 2021 October 2021

Waste Collection Service Outstanding
As many of you will know there have been recent incidents of missed collections. At last, I thought, someone out there,
The effects of the national HGV driver shortage, coupled with the continuing When I heard the word
impact of the pandemic, are starting to be felt across Dorset Council’s waste “outstanding”, Has recognised his worth.
services as collection rounds feel the strain. The impact of the driver shortage is I could not believe my ears.
being felt by councils across the country. In Dorset, some crews are regularly I am afraid this was short lived.
having to work overtime and often at weekends, which is not sustainable. These A lump came to my throat, When I enquired a little more.
pressures also come on the back of a year of increased household waste And my eyes filled up with tears. “Your boy, is outstanding in the corridor,
amounts as more people stay and work from home. Dorset Council members and
senior officers recently briefed local MPs on the issues currently impacting waste This child of mine had been hard Over there, beside the door”.
collections, street cleansing and bin deliveries, in the hope that a long-term work,
solution can be found.
Since the moment of his birth. Paul J Openshaw (September 2021)
Recruitment of drivers in Dorset has always been challenging, particularly due to
high local housing costs, but the current widescale staff shortages across all
depots are unprecedented. The Council currently has multiple vacancies for
drivers and loaders across their waste services team, along with some absence
due to sickness and others on planned annual leave. October Sunshine
All employees across waste services are working hard to ensure that key waste
services continue to run throughout this challenging time. We are having to October sunshine filters through the trees;
temporarily suspend or delay some garden waste collections so that crews can The leaves all rustic in the gentle, sighing breeze:
be redeployed to support vital rubbish, food and recycling collections. Litter bins The changing shades of Autumn contrast with shades of blue;
are also being emptied less frequently in some areas of the county, and new bin Let’s enjoy the welcome warmth before Summer’s really through.
deliveries are also being delayed. While we continue to work on tackling the
problem, residents are being kindly asked to note the following:
Late flowers brighten life with their cheerful bloom;
Always report your missed collection, even if your whole street is affected. The Their colours seem to call us, to dispel thoughts of gloom.
website has an automated system that will inform you what’s happening with your The rays of golden sunshine caress and gently warm,
bins and provide guidance on what to do next As though to prepare us for Winter’s coming storm.

Please ensure your bins are out by 6am on your collection day. Some rounds are
being carried out differently, meaning operatives might turn up earlier (or later) in Before long we’ll hear Autumn, as she changes her tune:
the day than usual The evenings will be long and cold beneath a frosty moon.

If you find a litter bin is full, do not try to leave your litter on top/next to it or on the The wind, so kind now, will then whistle and shriek;
floor nearby – please take it home and place in your household bin. We’ll huddle in our woolly scarves as Winter reaches a peak.
If any garden waste collections have to be cancelled or stood down we will Sitting here in sunshine, listening to hoverflies and bees,
contact customers directly to advise them. As compensation for any garden
waste collections you did not receive, we will automatically apply a discount to It’s hard to think of Winter and her stark and leafless trees:
next year’s subscription fee. But when it’s cold and windy, when Summer’s finally done,
I’ll remember these lovely things and the warmth of October sun.
Rubbish, recycling, garden and food waste can be dropped off free of charge at
any of Dorset’s household recycling centres, which are operating as normal. Eileen Richardson

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