Bolton council reveals 99% success rate in timely bin collections
A glimpse into the demanding logistics faced by the bin collection service
Bolton council boasts that 99% of its bins are collected on time, shedding light on the intricate logistics behind managing waste in the area.
According to the council, 46,000 bins are collected each weekday, amounting to over 230,000 bins weekly.
The operation involves 135 workers organized into 45 teams. Each team comprises a driver and two refuse loaders.
Refuse loaders, who walk up to 10 miles daily, empty over 500 bins per shift.
The physically demanding nature of the job, including exposure to all types of weather, often leads to higher-than-average long-term absences due to musculoskeletal issues.
This past winter, some refuse loaders were hospitalized after slipping on snow and ice.
In January, the council released a list of 220 streets with missed post-Christmas bin collections, mostly due to 'no access' with a promise of return within 48 hours.
H2 Logistical Challenges
The bin collection service utilizes a fleet of 50 waste collection wagons, 45 are in active use each weekday while five undergo maintenance.
Driving these large wagons requires skill, especially in areas of Bolton with narrow back alleys, sharp turns, and streets lined with parked cars.
The council notes that over 80% of its drivers have more than 10 years’ experience.
A single poorly parked car can block access to an entire street, resulting in missed collections.
Statistics show that on a typical day, less than 1% of bins are missed, with most being collected within the council’s target of two working days.
The top five culprits for missed bins include parked cars, roadworks, skips blocking access, snowy and icy conditions, and bins being put out late.
H2 Encouraging Better Practices
Staff collaboration with residents and councillors has reduced missed bin incidences significantly.
The council advises residents to ensure their bins are out on time, contain only appropriate items, and that lids can close properly.
Parking responsibly on collection days is crucial.
For green, beige, and burgundy recycling bins, correct item placement is necessary as contaminated bins are not collected.
Bolton enjoys a recycling rate above the national average at over 48%, something the council aims to continue improving.
Coun Richard Silvester, the council’s executive member for climate change and environment, praised the efforts of the bin collection team.
He said: “Collecting the bins week in and week out from over 120,000 households across Bolton in all weathers is a huge logistical challenge.
“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work that every member of the team puts in, from the operatives out on the streets, the team leaders, the maintenance technicians in the depots and the planners in the office.
“We fully understand that collecting the bins is a vital service that people rely on and it is frustrating if your bin is missed, which is why we are determined to keep improving the service.”