Driver shortages still causing issues with waste collections

South Hams District Council is "experiencing disruption to some waste and recycling collection services due to driver shortages".

In a statement, SHDC said: "We are experiencing disruption to some waste and recycling collection services as a result of the national driver shortage. You may have read in the press that the UK is currently facing a shortage of LGV and HGV drivers which is affecting a variety of services, including waste and recycling collections, throughout the country.

"Whilst our contractor has a pool of regular LGV2 drivers, they have always depended on temporary agency drivers to cover unexpected absences. In recent months it has become increasingly difficult to recruit temporary drivers through agencies to cover absences as well as to vacant permanent posts.

"We are now in a position whereby we may need to prioritise some services over others, for example, we acknowledge the importance of refuse and clinical collections. This is in line with guidance from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

"To date, the shortages have mainly affected some garden waste collections. Following the recent changes to recycling collection services, some residents have been asked to put their food waste in the refuse bin, so staff are working hard to ensure this waste is removed as scheduled. We are also prioritising recycling collections, which have seen significant disruption for some residents in recent months.

"We are not able to return for missed collections at this time. This is to free up resources to support the scheduled collections and keep disruption to a minimum. If you experience a missed collection, please hold to your waste until your next collection. If this is not possible, please use your local recycling centre. For more information on restrictions at recycling centres please see Devon County Council's website (www.devon.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling).

"Please note, restricted quantities of non-recyclable waste and food waste are only accepted at some centres and you must pre-book in advanced by calling Devon County Council's Customer Service Centre on 0345 155 1010."

The disruption over the last week is detailed below:

Thursday, 12 August 2021
Garden waste (brown bin) collections not completed in:

East Prawle
East Portlemouth
Frogmore
South Pool
Stokenham
Beeson
Please hold on to your garden waste until your next collection or use your local recycling centre where possible.

Wednesday, 11 August 2021
Garden waste (brown bin) collections not completed in:

Stoke Fleming
Slapton
Dartmouth
Strete
Dittisham
Please hold on to your garden waste until your next collection or use your local recycling centre where possible.

Tuesday, 10 August 2021
Garden waste (brown bin) collections not completed in:

Stoke Gabriel
Totnes
Harbertonford
Please hold on to your garden waste until your next collection or use your local recycling centre where possible.

Monday, 09 August 2021
Garden waste (brown bin) collections not completed in:

Marldon
Totnes
Stoke Gabriel
Ashprington
Littlehempston
Please hold on to your garden waste until your next collection or use your local recycling centre where possible.