DELAYS and disruption to waste collections in Somerset are likely continue for some time, it has been revealed.

The Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) and collections contractor SUEZ have apologised amid delays in recycling and garden waste collections for thousands of households across the county in recent weeks. 

They asked for the public to be patient, warning that there is “no quick fix” in the face of an escalating nationwide shortage of truck drivers.

SWP is responsible for more than 350,000 collections each week, the vast majority of which, they say, have gone smoothly despite the pandemic.

But in recent weeks staffing shortages have caused significant delays to some recycling and garden waste collections.

Recycling collections missed from last week will be picked up on this week’s scheduled collection day, not before.

READ MORE: 'Blame Covid and Brexit for collection delays,' says Somerset Waste Partnership

Crews will return as soon as possible for any collections missed this week, within two days if they can.

SWP is monitoring collections closely and will consider further steps if needed.

Residents can help ease the pressure on crews by:

  • Doing as much as possible online - use the My Waste Services feature on the SWP homepage to order replacement containers, report a missed collection, request an assisted collection etc.
  • Only reporting a missed collection if it is urgent - crews will be back as soon as they can.
  • Crushing, squashing and flattening waste if it is safe to do so - this saves space and speeds up collections.
  • Making use of recycling sites - if a collection is delayed but waste really needs to be disposed of.

Covid-19 has worsened the well-documented national shortage of LGV drivers by delaying the training and testing of new recruits.

At the same time, the UK has seen a significant number of EU drivers leave and the recent reopening of non-essential retail has added to the demand for drivers.

The Road Haulage Association said the current situation is of “catastrophic proportions”.

With lots of distribution centres in the county, driver recruitment is especially difficult in Somerset - as is recruitment of collection crews and securing a reliable supply of agency cover when needed, according to SWP managing director, Mickey Green.

He said: “We know we’re not where we need to be but there’s no quick fix.

“We apologise and are working hard to get back of track, please bear with us.

“It’s frustrating, but let’s not forget that these crews are key workers have worked non-stop through a pandemic that has increased loads by about 20%.

“A lot of people have worked long hours to make sure waste is collected. It’s very difficult at the moment and we appreciate your patience.”