Over 11,000 tonnes of waste collected
Since Friday 4th April 2025, our clean-up crews across the city have collected 11,588 tonnes of waste, including the waste taken to HWRCs – the equivalent to 1,000 killer whales.
Our crews have been clearing approx. 1,500 tonnes of waste a day since our vehicles have been able to deploy on time, with around 100-120 refuse collection vehicles out every day. We have repurposed between 40 and 60 housing and street cleansing vehicles and deployed multiple ‘grab trucks’ to clear large rubbish piles each day, prioritising 15 of the most affected hotspot wards.
We are also supported by extra vehicles through mutual aid.
We predict we have around 4,500 tonnes left to clear up this week.
Leader of the Council Cllr John Cotton said: "Our work to clear the backlog is gathering pace and we will continue collecting waste over the weekend.
"I fully appreciate that there is still more to do, and I share the frustration of people across the city, but now that we are getting our crews out on time every day, we are starting to see a difference and I want to thank our amazing crews for their hard work over the last week.
"I also want to thank every citizen, community group and organisation that is helping with the clear-up. People are helping in neighbourhoods right across the city and their support is helping to clear our streets."
Some of our household recycling centres have extended opening hours and slots can be booked online, and our mobile household waste centres are operating on extended hours too. You can check locations here.
Talks to resolve the dispute will continue next week and Cllr Cotton added: "I will stress again that we have made a fair and reasonable offer that means that no-one has to lose any pay at all, with alternative roles offered within the service, or indeed a promotion to work as a driver. We’re determined to reach an agreement but in the meantime, the clear-up continues."