Other vehicles can make deliveries why can’t you collect my bin?
We understand it can be frustrating when other vehicles appear to be moving around normally but your bin collection is delayed. Unfortunately, our bin lorries face very different conditions and risks.
Small side roads that aren’t routinely cleared or gritted can become extremely icy. Our collection vehicles can weigh up to 26 tonnes, and driving in ice and snowy conditions makes them harder to control, especially on narrow streets. Unlike delivery vans (which usually weigh approx. 3.5 tonnes), these heavy vehicles need more space to manoeuvre and stop safely.
It’s not just the driving conditions we need to consider. Footpaths and pavements often remain icy even after main roads have cleared. Our crews have to move wheeled bins along these surfaces, and if a member of staff slipped while handling a bin, they could suffer a serious injury.
We never take the decision to delay collections lightly. Factors such as the amount of ice, the time of day, ongoing snowfall, temperature, and whether roads have been gritted are all taken into consideration when determining whether it is safe to operate.
The safety of pedestrians, our staff, and other road users must always come first. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we work to resume collections as soon as conditions allow.