Cardiff Council has suspended green waste collections for the next four months, citing the need to prioritise general rubbish collection amid rising coronavirus cases. The monthly service will not operate in November, December, January, or February, resuming in March.
The decision has sparked anger among residents, with over 900 people signing a petition calling for a rethink. Conservative councillor Adrian Robson, who started the petition, said the move seemed odd and suggested rearranging collection days instead of halting the service entirely.
Council officials explained that the change aims to ensure frontline staff can manage waste collections despite potential sickness and self-isolation due to Covid-19. Cabinet member for recycling Michael Michael stated that resources need to be focused on waste streams that cannot be left on streets, such as general waste and recycling.
Residents have expressed concerns about fly-tipping and the difficulty of maintaining gardens during winter, especially as more people have taken up gardening during lockdown. October's fortnightly collection will be the last chance for residents to dispose of autumn leaves and garden waste before winter, after which they must use recycling centres.
A Christmas tree collection service will be available in January, and fortnightly collections will resume in March. Michael acknowledged the decision may be challenging for some but urged understanding given the pandemic situation.
