Waste collections across Swindon face festive and weather challenges
93.5% of properties collected since Christmas Day despite backlog
Swindon’s waste collection teams have been working hard over the festive period, with 93.5% of the town’s 101,400 properties successfully collected since Christmas Day.
Holiday schedules were shifted by two working days to manage the increased waste and recycling volumes typical of this time of year, avoiding the backlogs that previously affected up to 40,000 households and incurred extra costs.
While disruption has been kept to a minimum, 424 collections were missed on New Year’s Day when fewer crews were working – roughly 2% of properties scheduled for collection.
Since the beginning of January, cold and challenging weather has placed additional pressure on crews trying to catch up with delayed collections. Snow is forecast to begin Thursday evening into Friday, meaning more potential challenges for waste and recycling services.
Residents are encouraged to continue leaving their waste and recycling out for collection, as Swindon Borough Council crews will collect materials as soon as they are able.
A council spokesperson said: “Thank you to all residents for your patience and understanding during this busy period. Despite the additional challenges, our crews are working hard to provide consistent service across Swindon.”
The festive season brings increased volumes of waste, but adjustments to collection schedules have reduced delay impact, ensuring smoother operations for most households in Swindon.
Crews are expected to continue their efforts as weather improves to catch up on all outstanding collections.