Waste collection halted due to snow

Towns up and down the country have been met with severe weather warnings owing to the snow.

In many areas, waste collection services have been stopped completely because removal men are unable to fight their way through the snow to get to the bins.

One area that has been particularly affected is Lincoln.

According to local Grimsby newspaper, the council has stated that all waste and recycling collection crews out on their rounds will be collecting rubbish from as many households as possible.

However, it is presumed that they will be unable to get everywhere, and some may be left without any waste collected from their homes for as long as the severe weather conditions continue.

Councillor Peter Wheatley, portfolio holder for regeneration and environment, told the newspaper: "The winter of 2010, where temperatures fell to below zero for days on end, means our staff and services have some very recent experience of what these conditions are like.

"We are doing all we can with gritting crews working around the clock and waste and recycling staff are doing all they can to collect waste, whilst prioritising everyone’s safety.

"We ask residents to be patient as the waste collection crews are experiencing some problems travelling down side streets where icy conditions are proving too hazardous. In addition some of the vehicles’ hoist mechanisms have frozen disrupting some collections."

He has issued advice to those whose rubbish may not be collected, asking them to leave their waste on side streets where it is easier for waste management officials to get to.

For those who are unsure whether or not their waste removal services are running, it is advisable to check online to see if there have been any alterations to the normal services.

It is predicted that the snow may last through to next week.