Recycling to be stopped at blocks of flats in Merton due to driver shortage

Merton council will stop recycling at blocks of flats due to the ongoing driver shortage and the effects of Brexit.

Recycling will now be sent to the Beddington incinerator, around six miles away, as a “last resort”.

The council announced that, with its contractor Veolia, it has decided to “temporarily merge” some recycling and rubbish collections.

The change will only affect those living in flats with communal bin areas.

It comes as the area struggles to find new drivers to carry out bin collections.

There is a national shortage of lorry drivers which has been blamed on Brexit and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement Merton council said: “This is always a last resort, and we apologise for any inconvenience, but would like to assure residents that all bins will be emptied as usual.

“The driver shortage has left many councils unable to find enough drivers to complete usual collections, and the council has plans in place to maintain services in the event of issues like this.

“Merging recycling and rubbish collections in just a few areas allows us to ensure bins are still emptied and taken away. We are not suspending any of our collection services, and this change is only temporary.”

Veolia is on a desperate recruitment drive and is currently offering a £1,500 bonus for those joining the company.

Beth Whittaker, chief human resources officer, said: “We hope the incentive will encourage drivers to consider working with us.

“Our teams are doing something that matters for communities and delivering a service that makes a real difference for the environment every day.

“We can offer part-time positions if wanted and a really good lifestyle – no overnight, no long-haul or overseas, so ideal for family time.”

Merton is part of the South London Waste Partnership, which also serves, Sutton, Croydon and Kingston.

The three other councils have been contacted for comment.