Recycling collection delays across four council areas down to staff illness levels says Bryson Recycling
Kerbside box collection delays across four Northern Ireland council areas have been caused by “unprecedented illness” levels.
That is according to the company responsible, ‘Bryson Recycling’. Concerns were raised at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council last week with elected members also highlighting ratepayers’ frustrations.
DUP Alderman, Sharon Skillen said: ”Residents come to you when their bins are not collected, that is what they pay their rates for.
UUP Alderman James Baird said: ”Are the delays anything to do with Antrim and Newtownabbey replacing their old blue bins with the new multi boxes?” A council officer responded: “I understand that it is an operational problem with Bryson and that it has nothing to do with the new bin system at Antrim and Newtownabbey.
”We are still waiting on the Stormont Assembly to respond to the Deara consultation on recycling future in Northern Ireland, which has delayed our own kerbside collection plans.”
A spokesperson for Bryson Recycling said: ”Bryson Recycling provides recycling collection services to approximately 160,000 households on behalf of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Belfast City Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
“Delays have occurred on some collection rounds across all the council areas where we operate our collection service.
“Delays are being experienced due to staff shortages resulting from unprecedented levels of sickness and a national shortage of drivers. “We are taking all necessary steps to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”
The spokesperson added: ”Our teams have been working exceptionally hard to ensure household recycling collections continue, including undertaking evening and weekend shifts to maintain service delivery.
“Bryson aims to complete all collections within 24 hours of normal collection day. We have also placed a strong emphasis on recruitment to ensure we have the right staffing levels to support the service effectively.”