Outbreak of Covid hits key workers at Milton Keynes waste recycling plant

The Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Wolverton is run by Viridor and is managing to stay open despite the staff shortages.

It has been claimed as many as 13 workers have tested positive for Covid and more are self-isolating or awaiting test results. Although that figure has not been verified by Viridor.

One employee told the MK Citizen: "On Monday, 15 people went home because they felt ill. There are hardly any staff left."

The company is having to send some of MK's recycling waste to its facilities in other area, and is bringing on staff from neighbouring plants.

A spokesperson for Viridor said strict measures were place to protect their key worker colleagues against Covid-19.

She said: "Nothing is more important that the health of our staff. Strict social distancing measures, requirements to wear face coverings in communal areas and a repeated emphasis on handwashing, followed by high-alcohol based hand sanitising, are part of the Covid-19 protocol at all Viridor sites.

"This also includes enhanced cleaning of any site touchpoints, use of air-disinfecting machines and regular biofogging disinfection. This is in addition to the personal protective equipment which is provided to all our operational site staff. Viridor also urges staff not to car share when travelling to work to ensure social distancing is maintained at all times.

"For the additional confidence of our teams, Viridor provides regular voluntary Lateral Flow Antigen Test (LFT), which has allowed our Milton Keynes MRF team to maintain our commitment to staff health and welfare, while continuing to process the Milton Keynes Council’s recycling throughout the Covid-19 pandemic."

The spokesman added: "Any members of staff who have tested positive have been immediately sent home to self-isolate in line with Government requirements, and seek a confirmatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, along with anyone who has been identified as a potential close contact.

"Viridor, with a network of recycling plants across the UK, has contingency plans in place, which have included sending staff from neighbouring facilities to support the Milton Keynes plant, with some waste material redirected to other facilities during this time. This has allowed the company to continue to offer this essential UK service."