London waste management prepared for nocturnal services

Waste management companies operating in East London are preparing to go nocturnal throughout the duration of the Olympics, with collections being re-scheduled for earlier in the morning and later at night.

The Games are in full flow in London's East End, and so far, disruption seems to have been kept to a minimum. Many industries are operating altered time schedules during the event, and waste management companies have been part of this drive to alter working hours.

Residents in Tower Hamlets in the East of London are being told to 'put bins out before lights out' during the London 2012 Games. Hackney and Waltham Forest have also moved their waste collection times in order to deal with the increased traffic in the area, as well as the introduction of 'games lanes' reserved for athletes and officials.

Newham council has not altered its collection times, but it has warned that its waste collection service may run behind schedule. However, this may be a preferable option for residents, with dwellers in Tower Hamlets concerned that the unusual operating times could disrupt sleep.

Anticipating concerns among residents about the early morning noise, the council said: "It is necessary for collections to start at this time to ensure all waste and recycling is cleared each day as scheduled and we would like to thank residents for their support.

"The council and Veolia are working closely with RSLs/Managing Agents to ensure bins are pulled out on estates to keep the noise to a minimum."

Sudden road closures or diversions could push collection times into the night, with local services forced into operating a nocturnal schedule, the council warned. In order to cope with this change, residents are being advised to leave their rubbish out the day before collection, to ensure that the waste is properly collected.

Posted by Joseph Hutton