Cranleigh residents face three weeks of no bin collections after workers walked out on strike.

In what is being described as a partial strike, waste contractor Biffa has notified Waverley Borough Council of the action that will affect waste and recycling collections between 3rd and 23rd November 2022.

The partial strike will also affect street cleaning in Cranleigh.

More than 50,000 households across Waverley will see disruption to their bin collections this month.

The strike action follows a vote by members of the GMB Union after pay negotiations between Biffa and the GMB.

Waverley advises residents to stick to their existing schedule for bin collections, leaving uncollected bins out to give the contractor an opportunity to recover them during afternoons and over the weekend.

It is not possible to report missed bin collections through the Waverley Borough Council website for the duration of the industrial action.

Biffa has been unable to hire replacement workers due to the national shortage of HGV drivers and the need for operators to complete a training programme first.

In addition to leaving bins out for late collection, Waverley is advising residents to reduce waste where possible.

Recycling can be squashed in the bin to create more space, and additional recycling can be folded and tied together, and placed next to the bin for future collection.

A clear plastic bag or box can also be used for excess recycling material.

Another option for residents is to take waste and recycling to a community recycling centre, operated in Waverley by Surrey County Council.

These community recycling centres will have additional capacity during the industrial action. However, the site at Elmbridge Road is only open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm, and Monday from 8am to 4pm.

Waverley is asking residents not to burn rubbish, as this causes air pollution and can create a fire risk.

Food waste can be stored in the black/refuse bin to limit the escape of smells and to stop attracting pests.

Responding to a question about why the council cannot provide to collect rubbish during the industrial action, Waverley explained that they could become a traffic hazard and quickly become overloaded.

Further information and updates can be found at waverley.gov.uk/Services/Bins-and-recycling/Bin-collection-strike-action

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