‘SIGNIFICANT’ disruption is expected to bin collection services in Dumfries and Galloway from next week.
Refuse workers are set to stage an eight day walk out from Wednesday, August 14, lasting until Wednesday August 21.
The strike is part of a national pay dispute affecting local authorities across Scotland. Discussions are ongoing nationally between council leaders and trade unions with a view to agreeing a pay deal and resolving the dispute.
A Dumfries and Galloway Council spokesperson said: “We expect significant disruption to our waste services across the region due to strike action by Unite and Unison trade union members.
“Unless the industrial action is called off, no household (general waste, recycling and food) bins or sacks will be collected on the strike dates.
“Commercial waste collection will be impacted, too. The bulky uplift service will not be operational during this time. Some of our 12 Household Waste Recycling Centres across the region will also be affected.”
The local authority has set up a dedicated webpage on their website at www.dumgal/gov.uk/industrial-action-waste to offer advice.
And they say that due to the exceptional circumstances, residents will be able to leave out up to two additional waste bags beside their bin for the next collection after the strike ends.
Excess cardboard and paper can also be left out and should be placed beside the blue-lidded bin and must be protected from getting wet, while extra cans, plastics and cartons can be placed in a bin bag beside the red-lidded bin.
They are also asking households to try and minimise their rubbish during the affected period
The council spokesperson added: “We understand the impact and inconvenience this will cause and thank customers for their patience.
“Be assured that we will endeavour to clear any waste build-up as soon as we can, but it is likely that there will be a period immediately following the strike action where waste may remain in situ — areas will be prioritised daily, and we will clear affected areas as quickly as possible.”
