Defra publishes guidance on waste collection during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

Article summary

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published temporary guidance to assist local authorities and other waste collectors prioritise waste collection during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Local authorities have been advised to maintain waste collection services—particularly residual waste (black bag) collections, in the interest of local amenity and public health. Defra also recommends that local authorities maintain dry recyclables collections as much as possible, though it is acknowledged that some coronavirus-related challenges may make doing such unfeasible. As such, it is advised that local authorities make decisions to alter or close services temporarily where collection proves problematic, but regard must be paid to statutory duties. Defra’s guidance also addresses household waste recycling centres, fly-tipping, dedicated clinical or absorbent hygiene product waste collections from householders, and waste collection pertaining to care homes. As waste collection is a devolved policy, the guidance issued by Defra is only applicable to English local authorities.