To those working in the waste sector,
As a nation we are undoubtedly going through one of the
greatest health challenges we have faced in a
generation, and I want to pay tribute to all of you who
are working in such challenging times to protect the
environment, local amenity and people’s health – your
work is vital.
The Government has taken some unprecedented steps;
instructing people to stay at home, to protect our NHS
and save lives. However, there are many key workers,
like yourselves, who are crucial to the health of our
country. I am writing to thank you for the vital
service that you are delivering. To thank you for
keeping waste moving. Maintaining the rates of black
bag rubbish collection, working behind the scenes in
recycling centres, treatment plants, energy recovery
centres and disposal sites despite all the challenges
that Coronavirus brings.
As a country we are all facing challenges and I know
that you are feeling these too - staff absences, social
distancing, a drop off in commercial waste and an
increase in household waste. Some of you have had to
take difficult decisions to furlough staff or close
down your operations. But you have also responded,
adapted and maintained an excellent level of service
where you have been able which protects public health
and is crucial in keeping our society and economy
going.
I also appreciate the cooperative spirit with which you
are approaching the situation in such testing times. I
know you are looking at ways you can work together and
have been an invaluable help to us in Government,
feeding back important information on the impact of the
outbreak. In Government we will continue to do whatever
we can to help you. The Government has published
guidance on personal protection equipment (PPE) and
social distancing at work to provide reassurance for
you so that when you’re doing your job, you can do so
safely.
We have also published guidance to help local
authorities prioritise waste services. We know what an
excellent and crucial job is being done to keep
services running, but due to the impact of the outbreak
we understand the additional pressures that you are
facing. Our guidance provides advice on how services
can be prioritised and underlines how critical black
bag household waste collections are to protect people’s
health and the environment.
Workers in the waste sector may not get the headlines
that other workers do during this challenging time, but
I want you to know that you are not forgotten within
Government. I am enormously grateful for all you are
doing, and will continue to do, and proud of your
commitment to the services you provide.
