Residents asked to empty own bins

A council has asked householders to partially empty their own bins after a review of its health and safety found binmen were hurting themselves.

Letters have been sent to residents in the Craven area of North Yorkshire asking them to remove a container for glass and cans from inside the bins.

It states: "It would take a lot of strain out of the job for our staff", adding it would reduce injury risks.

A council spokeswoman said people were not obliged if they were unable to.

The request will be rolled out to all 9,500 householders who use the council's triple bin recycling scheme - where residents have a large main bin for paper and card, containing two 50-litre compartments for glass and cans.

'Work with us'

The council is asking residents to remove these containers on collection days and leave them next to the bins as refuse workers are having difficulty lifting them "due to the awkward height of the bins".

The council said a review of its health and safety procedures found lifting the rubbish was having a "negative effect" on its staff.

The council spokeswoman said: "We have been reviewing existing practices in light of recent health and safety advice and, as a result, have asked residents to work with us wherever possible.

"Naturally, we do not expect elderly or frail residents to remove the glass and can pods which is why it has just been a request to residents to consider, if they feel able to manage it."