Don’t give our refuse collectors an unwanted surprise

The Council is reminding residents not to put sharp objects in their domestic waste as they pose a serious danger to the Council's refuse collectors.

Last week, one of the Council's refuse collectors was seriously injured when he picked up a black refuse sack that contained loose broken glass from outside a property in The Dene, Sevenoaks.

The deep gash to his leg required emergency treatment at the Kent and Sussex Hospital including stitches to his leg muscle together with stitches to his skin. He has been told by doctors that it will be several weeks before he can return to work.

When refuse collectors have to take time off work to recover from avoidable injuries it costs all the District's tax payers money. The Council will consider claiming compensation from residents whose irresponsible actions result in injury to its staff.

If residents have to dispose of any sharp item, such as knives, hooks, bars, coat hangers, broken crockery or glass and household tools, they should:

• Put the item in a tube or wrap in cardboard marked clearly that a dangerous item is inside and leave it to one side of their refuse sacks
• Take sharp items to the local household waste recycling centres (also known as the dump or the tip) for disposal. Place it in either a metal recycling skip or in a skip dedicated to non-recyclable waste if it is plastic.

Residents who would like to know more about how to dispose of sharp items can call the Council on 01732 227000 or e-mail information@sevenoaks.gov.uk.

Cllr Felicity Broomby, the Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for refuse collection, says: "By taking a few simple steps, residents can ensure that sharp objects for disposal do not pose a danger to our refuse collectors. This can prevent serious injury and save all our tax payers' money."