Braintree refuse collectors are clearing up when it comes to waste management – after reaching the top three in the UK’s most efficient rubbish disposal services rankings.
The region’s hard-working crews carry out over 1.7 million domestic bin collections each year, missing just 595 collections in 2019 and 282 in 2018; the most recent data available. This equates to an average missed bin collection rate of 0.052% – a figure beaten only by Cornwall and South Hams councils.
These figures have been collated by Whitespace Work Software, the municipal waste management technology experts, which contacted 299 local authorities under the Freedom of Information Act (2000).
Data from the 132 councils that responded revealed that Braintree was one of nine regions with a missed bin collection rate of less than 0.1% – which is significantly lower than the national average missed collection rate of 0.75%.
Mark Garvey, CEO, Whitespace Work Software, comments: “Given the extreme pressure local authorities are under to maintain their services on tight budgets, it’s really encouraging to see that Braintree is using its refuse collection resources to great effect. However, it’s important that teams across the county continue to optimise their waste management services – particularly after disruptions during the pandemic.”
Whitespace is encouraging local authorities to help residents report missed collections quickly, by introducing innovative technologies such as mobile apps and online information portals.
Mark Garvey adds: “We all know how frustrating it is when our rubbish isn’t picked up and we have to report it. The easier we can make it for residents to report missed collections, the quicker local authorities can rectify the issue, and the happier communities feel. Digital waste management technologies like resident mobile apps and web portals enable households to report problems online, so councils can get the message to collection crews, to keep the region’s streets as clean as possible.”
