"Don't abuse our staff" plea after spitting and swearing incidents at waste sites
South Yorkshire’s four councils have issued a joint statement urging people going to household waste recycling centres to treat waste workers with respect after a string of unpleasant incidents.
Sites in Rotherham attracted large queues outside after a series of lockdowns prompted a surge in home improvements and de-cluttering.
The South Yorkshire Waste Board said the queues had been caused by Covid-19 restrictions reducing the number of people allowed on-site.
A spokesperson said: “We want to thank people for continuing to recycle and dispose of waste responsibly during these difficult times.
“However, we are disappointed that our staff, who have been working hard throughout the pandemic and in adverse weather conditions have, on occasions, been subjected to abusive behaviour.
“We know that HWRC facilities are very much appreciated by members of the public and we are appealing to people to be patient and to treat our staff with the respect they deserve.”
They added: “Nationally and locally, HWRCs have been very busy, with long queues requiring a number of traffic management systems to be put in place both inside and outside the facilities.
“Because of government COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing requirements, sites cannot accommodate as many vehicles as usual and staff are unable to help unload them.
“If assistance is needed, a member of your household can attend to support. “These measures have been put in place for the safety and well-being of both staff and customers and it is essential that they are followed.”
Some waste sites are operating longer hours and there are plans to expand this to more.
Home composting and paying RMBC to take away bulky items were alternatives to going to the tip, the board said, adding that separating waste types before leaving home would also cut waiting times.