NO matter what’s going on in the world, residents’ bins will always need emptying.

And despite the ongoing global chaos caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Colchester Council’s waste operatives are pounding the streets keeping the borough clean and tidy.

They’re inevitably faced with difficult circumstances due to staffing levels which have been hit by people having to self-isolate to slow the rise of the pandemic.

Colchester Council has had to adapt to the challenges and is only collecting essential waste.

It has announced it has temporarily halted the collection of all recycling, except food waste, until further notice.

However, to relieve the pressure on residents, the authority has increased the black bag limit from three to four or one wheelie bin and one bag.

Martin Goss, Colchester Council’s waste boss, said: “This is a challenging time for everyone but it’s important we all work together to protect not only ourselves, but those who are working incredibly hard and putting themselves on the front line in these difficult times to deliver critical services for us all.

“Across the world, Covid-19 means organisations are having to adapt and change their services to protect their staff, their families and the public and this is no different for the council.”