Green bin collections to be reinstated shortly in Milton Keynes - and tips could reopen too

The collections were stopped at the start of lockdown because of the number of staff at contractors Serco who were self isolating or sick with coronavirus.

Households were told to put food waste in black bags and compost their garden waste if possible.

But now the council is hoping to resume green bin collection in two to three weeks' time.

A spokesman said: "We are working very hard to reinstate the weekly food and garden waste (green bin) collections. We thank residents for their patience.

"Collections were suspended due to reduced staff numbers caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We will be restarting food and garden waste collections either in the second or third week of May if possible."

Household refuse site (tips) are still closed to the public throughout MK and this has led to an increase in fly tipping during lockdown.

This week the government asked councils to reopen rubbish tips and recycling centres that closed due to coronavirus "in the coming weeks".

Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick said local authorities should draw up a plan to reopen.

Speaking in the Commons, he said: "Our bin men and women have done a fantastic job maintaining the vast majority of collections. The government published advice to councils on how to ensure the safety of refuse collections .... I am announcing that I'm asking councils to plan the organised re-opening of household waste collection sites."