Published: Monday, 18th January 2021

Medway’s waste crews collected twice as much rubbish over the Christmas period compared with last year.

Household waste and recycling crews usually anticipate an increase in waste and recycling over the festive period, but with more residents at home due to coronavirus restrictions and a significant increase in online shopping they had a huge task on their hands.

In 2019, Medway Norse’s crews collected 1,802 tonnes over the Christmas period.

The latest information suggests that this significantly increased by 55 per cent, 989 tonnes, in 2020. The crews collected a staggering 2,791 tonnes and saw a 48 per cent increase in refuse and a 74 per cent increase in recycling.

Although the sheer volume of waste and recycling did slightly delay collections in some roads, the crews returned the next day and collected all household waste and recycling from Medway homes over the festive period.

Help keep Medway clean and tidy 

Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Waste Services, said: “Medway residents continue to receive excellent weekly household waste and recycling collections, and this was seen over the festive period. Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the pandemic, Medway Norse’s waste crews did a tremendous job at collecting a huge increase in rubbish and recycling. Thank you also to Medway residents who recycle and help create a sustainable environment for future generations.

“Medway’s three Household Waste and Recycling Centres remained open over the festive period and they continue to be open for residents, within government guidelines, to book a slot and dispose of their recyclable items to help keep Medway clean and tidy.”

Hoath Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Gillingham will be closed from Monday, 25 January to Friday, 29 January due to essential engineering works. The HWRCs at Capstone in Chatham and in Cuxton will remain open as usual.

Book a trip to the tip

News archive