Rugby bin collections carry on as normal - but remember to follow the precautions to keep bin collectors safe

Waste and recycling teams have been declared key workers by the government and the council has confirmed collections of black, blue and green bins currently remain unaffected by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Residents with symptoms of virus have been reminded to follow government guidelines on self-isolation, including the 'double-bagging' of all waste - recyclable or otherwise - and waiting 72 hours before putting it in the black bin.

Cllr Howard Roberts, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for environment and public realm, paid tribute to the council's waste and recycling teams, and urged residents to support the council's commitment to recycling waste during the current disruption.

He said: "Thanks to the dedication of our workforce, we have so far been able to maintain bin collections and street cleaning across the borough despite the massive disruption the coronavirus has caused to all of our lives.

"Providing we maintain sufficient staff numbers, we intend to carry on collections as normal, suspending services only as a last resort.

"Our residents can help us during this challenging period by ensuring bins have been put out by 7.30am on the day of collection, and following government guidelines on the safe disposal of waste while self-isolating."

Warwickshire County Council has now closed the Hunters Lane household waste recycling centre to comply with government advice on social distancing.

The closure is in place until further notice.

Reacting to the closure, Cllr Roberts encouraged residents to store waste safely and securely at home until the household waste recycling centre re-opened.

He said: "We understand residents on lockdown at home may be carrying out DIY jobs or simply having a clear out, but I'd urge everyone to be responsible and minimise the amount of waste generated during this unprecedented time.

"All public services face significant challenges at present, but fly-tipping remains a criminal offence and we'll investigate all incidents, taking the culprits to court, if necessary.

"We all have a part to play in meeting the day-to-day challenges we currently face and ensuring we come through this experience a stronger, closer community..

"I'd like to thank residents for the support the council has received so far, and hope we can count on that support during the coming weeks."

Information on waste and recycling can be found on the council's website: www.rugby.gov.uk/recycling For the latest updates on council services, including bin collection dates, download the Rugby Borough Council app: www.rugby.gov.uk/app