Lancaster City Council’s refuse workers are doing their utmost to empty bins and recycling boxes which were missed in the recent spell of severe weather (see news story).

Anyone with extra recycling due to the missed collections should:

• Place all glass inside the green recycling boxes (no broken glass)
• Cut or fold cardboard down to the size of the recycling box
• Place cans, paper and plastic bottles in carrier bags at the side of the recycling boxes.

Please ensure items are kept separate e.g. one carrier bag for paper, one for cans, one for plastic bottles. Any additional non-recyclable waste should be put into refuse sacks and placed at the side of your grey wheeled bin for collection.

In an effort to catch up, collections of green waste have again been suspended for the week beginning 18th January.

Collection crews have also been given mountaineering style crampons to ensure they do not slip on the ice so they can negotiate the treacherous conditions that still exist in many parts of the district.

Coun Jon Barry, Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, said: “In common with many other councils up and down the country our refuse collection service has been severely disrupted by the recent bad weather and I’d ask people to bear with us.

“We are doing our very best to try and catch up and resolve the situation. Where it is possible and safe to do so all missed bins and boxes will be collected as soon as possible.

“As the collection vehicles weigh more than 20 tonnes they could not be used during the ice-in as they could cause considerable damage if they were to slide and collide with a house, car or pedestrian.

• For further information on refuse and recycling collections please visit our website www.lancaster.gov.uk or phone customer services on 01524 582491.