Help us to protect refuse collectors, residents urged.

It is asking them not to overfill their bins and to ensure that the lids are shut when they put them out for collection.

This follows a recent incident in the town where a refuse collector suffered a serious crush injury because the raised lid of an overfilled bin obscured his view of the machinery on a bin collection wagon.

As the Council is unable to safely empty overfilled bins, some residents may find that their bins have been left un-emptied. In such instances, a blue tag will be attached to bins to inform residents of the reason for non-collection.

Tony Hanson, Assistant Director (Environment and Neighbourhood Services), said: “It is important that our staff can do their jobs safely and I hope residents will give us their full support.

“A lid that is not fully closed creates a number of problems for our refuse collectors. An overflowing bin makes it difficult to accurately engage with the collection vehicle’s mechanism, while it increases the risk of a bin falling from the device. Furthermore, waste can fall onto the lifting mechanism which then needs to be removed, putting our workers at further risk of injury.

“Therefore, I ask residents to please help us to allow refuse collectors who work for the benefit of our town, to operate in a safe manner. Your support will also help to tackle the environmental problems from overflowing bins that leave our streets filled with litter.”

Residents whose bins are full are reminded that they can also dispose of waste at the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Burn Road. The centre is currently open daily from 9am-12pm and 1-4pm. From next month, the extended summer opening hours of 9am-12pm and 1-6pm will apply.

Hartlepool Borough Council also operates a range of local, efficient and professional domestic waste removal services. Full details are available by calling (01429) 523333.