Changes to Refuse Collection Services

This is not a reason to call in and let us know that your bin has been missed, the chances are that it has not, but that we are collecting it later in the day. Generally the working day for staff may be considered over by 3.30 pm (after a 6.00 am start). (If bins have not been collected by that time they may have been missed).

From Monday the 25th of February 2008 some residents have had their collection day changed. Residents should have been notified by letter first if this is going to happen and it has only happened to a small percentage of the District’s residents. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. 

The reason for the changes is that the Council is making efficiency savings and has reduced by one, the number of refuse collection crews that operate in the District. That crew's workload will be spread over the remaining crews keeping the collection day the same as far as possible. On a minority of roads we will have to change the day to spread the workload more evenly. The crew that has been chosen operates largely in Seaford but also on Mount Pleasant in Newhaven and parts of Denton. These areas are the most likely to be effected but all crews will have some effect because they will be taking on an extra load. This is likely to only effect one of the other crews' days.
 
These efficiencies have been able to be brought about because of:

• better vehicles,
• increases in recycling,
• maintaining being one of the lowest waste producing Districts in the country, and
• the move from back-door collection.

It is anticipated with such a significant change and the large numbers involved (about 8,000 properties) that there will be some inevitable hiccoughs. We have made some significant contingency arrangements to assist new crews in learning their new rounds and also having staff and a vehicle on standby. By April 2008 all new rounds should be operating in full swing. There has been some alterations to rounds leading up until the end of March but all customers should have been notified of any changes of collection day beforehand. We are aiming at keeping this to a minimum.