RESIDENTS in Calderdale are being asked to compost their garden waste where possible during the coronavirus pandemic.

Although the council is able to continue waste and recycling collections as normal this does not extend to garden waste collections which are suspended – along with bulky waste collections – until further notice and the recycling centres where people can usually take it themselves are closed for the duration.

Coun Susan Press, Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, said ordinary waste and recycling collections are going ahead as normal, although there are some delays due to reduced staffing and the amounts of material presented.

Where possible, people, should compost garden waste.

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“If residents really need to dispose of garden waste during this period of disruption, the best way is through home composting,” she said.

Residents who do have a garden waste collection subscription will be carried over to 2021, she said.

Calderdale residents who have not already got a composting bin can get a special rate by entering their postcode at getcomposting.com which partners the council is a garden composting scheme.

Coun Press (Lab, Todmorden) added fallen leaves, dead plants, and flowers would also feed a compost bin – use a lawnmower to collect up leaves, this shreds them and helps to speed up the composting process.

Coun Press also issued a word of warning: “As always, we urge residents to manage their waste responsibly and would remind people that fly tipping is illegal and can lead to prosecution.”

The garden waste collections have ceased to allow resources to be put into the main waste and recycling collections but there may still be some some delays due to reduced staffing.

That might mean your collection may be a day later or caught up at the weekend – any recycling that has not been picked up by the end of Sunday will be carried over to your next scheduled day, says the council.

Rural routes have moved to a fortnightly recycling collection.

Requesting a wheelie bin, recycling container, sacks or liners is a service which has also been suspended at the moment.

If needed the council has suggested some substitutes.

For caddy liners for food waste – wrap food in newspaper or use a carrier bag inside the caddy.

Green bag for paper – use a carrier bag folded closed, but not tied up.

White sack for cans and plastics – use a sturdy bag, for example a heavy duty supermarket bag.

Black box for glass- use a rigid-sided container, like another hard plastic box or tub.

People are asked to ensure they do not put glass in any bags.