Derby residents urged to keep streets clear on bin collection days

Residents are being asked to help keep streets accessible on bin collection days, after blocked access resulted in multiple properties having their bins missed.

Derby City Council's Waste and Recycling Service deals with access issues on a weekly basis, which can significantly impact collections.

For example, roadworks prevented crews from servicing 356 properties on a single day on Wednesday 30th September.

Blocked roads caused by parked vehicles, and communal collection points obstructed by fly-tipped waste, also regularly affect the service's ability to collect bins.

Last week alone, on Tuesday 29th September, fly-tipping in front of communal bins, along with parked cars, prevented the collection of 158 bins, the council said.

The council said these are operational challenges that crews face routinely, which are often outside of their control.

Bin lorries are large vehicles and need enough room to safely travel along streets and manoeuvre around parked cars.

The council said even if there appears to be enough room for a car to get through, there may not be enough space for a collection vehicle.

Motorists are being asked to think carefully about where they park, particularly the night before and on the morning of bin day.

The council said leaving streets, junctions and turning areas accessible can make the difference between a crew completing its round and an entire section of a street being missed.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure, said crews "work hard to collect thousands of bins across the city, but they can only do that if they're able to safely reach them".

"We're asking residents and motorists to help us by making sure streets are kept clear and accessible on collection days," Cllr Onuoha said.

"A single obstruction can mean bins are missed for dozens of households, so please think about where you park and help us keep collections moving," he said.

Residents can also help collections run smoothly by making sure their bin is out by 6.30am, checking they have put out the correct bin on the correct collection day, and ensuring the lid is fully closed.

The council said it is also essential that outdoor communal areas are kept clear, to ensure the team can access bins.