Blackburn with Darwen council has issued tips on how residents can help bin collections run as normal during the coronavirus crisis.

In a statement published on The Shuttle, environment bosses have said they want to help keep both their crews and constituents safe at this troubling time.

A spokesperson said: "We want to make sure your bin collections can run as normal during the Coronavirus crisis while also keeping you and our crews safe.

"Please take just five minutes to read these top tips on how you can help."

Anyone self isolating or who has symptoms of the coronavirus are being asked to double bag all rubbish and keep it away from where they are self-isolating.

  • Double bag all the rubbish in your burgundy bin (especially things like tissues and disposable cleaning cloths)
  • The bags should be tied securely
  • Please keep them away from where you are self-isolating
  • Don’t put them in the burgundy bin for at least 72 hours

The council is also asking people to take extra steps to keep their wheelie bins clean, just like they would with their homes and workplaces.

The spokesperson added: "Please don’t forget your wheelie bin. Your crews can touch up to 2,000 bins each a day.

"They’ll be wearing gloves, but please disinfect the bin handles when you take the bin out for collection and when you bring it back in."

There's also advice on what to do with extra waste:

"We know it’ll be tempting to have a good spring clean while spending more time at home.

"However, please think about how you’ll store the extra waste that this will create given that the Household Waste Recycling Centres are temporarily closed and our bulky waste collections have been stopped for the time being.

"Our crews are working flat out and will not be able to collect extra bags and boxes – which would also add extra risk to their rounds.

"There’ll also not be enough room in our refuse vehicles and this means other residents may have to miss having their bins emptied.

"If you do want to have a good tidy up, think about how you can store the rubbish and split it over your next few collections to make sure it fits in your bins but doesn’t make them too heavy.

"Also, think about what you can keep to one side to donate to charity or pass on to friends and family when the current situation is over."

Residents are also being asked to remain courteous with their parking so that bin lorries can still get through the streets - this includes not parking on and opposite junctions, double parking, and keeping back streets and alleys empty.

The spokesperson added: "While this is important for us on bin collection days, please also think of emergency vehicles including ambulances and fire engines that may also need to get through."

With panic buying on the rise too, the council are expecting an increase in the amount of food being thrown away and are directing people to the Love Food Hate Waste website.

For further information follow the Blackburn with Darwen Council Facebook page or check Blackburn.gov.uk

Residents are reminded to have their bins out on the normal collection days by 7am.