GREEN bin collections have been suspended across Sandwell to prioritise household waste and recycling collections during the coronavirus pandemic.

The council is advising residents there may be some delays to collections over the coming weeks.

Garden and bulky waste collections, new bin requests and bin repairs have been suspended.

Following the Government’s announcement yesterday (Monday) that only essential travel is allowed, the tip at Shidas Lane, Oldbury, is closed until further notice.

Household waste, recycling and food waste continue to be collected although, owing to likely staff shortages resulting from the outbreak, the frequency and timing of collections will be monitored and amended as necessary.

Should there be daily delays residents are advised to leave bins out at the edge of their property and they will emptied as soon as possible.

Bulky waste items and other waste that cannot fit inside bins will also have to remain on the property until collections resume.

Updates will be provided on the council’s website at www.sandwell.gov.uk/bins and social media channels.

Deputy Council Leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “It’s vital we prioritise work in providing the most essential services to protect public health.

"We are liaising daily with our partners at Serco in providing these services to the best of our ability and we thank these frontline staff in continuing to work through these difficult circumstances.

“With the tip closed and garden waste suspended, I would urge residents to not be tempted to clear out homes and gardens during this time as there will be no outlet for waste of this nature and bins will be fuller than usual with more of us at home.

"I ask that residents try and reduce the amount of food waste they produce and use their blue lid bin for recycling as much as possible.

“I would like to thank residents for their understanding and support in helping us to focus on the key waste and recycling collections at this time.”