Refuse Collectors Still in Danger from 'Sharps'

Copyright NNDC

Jagged and razor-sharp blades, knives, scissors, wire, used syringe needles and broken panes of glass are still being placed in black plastic rubbish bags, despite the serious and much-publicised injury recently suffered by a North Norfolk refuse collector.

In just the few weeks since Christmas, dozens of dangerous sharp objects, including a sword and a rusty sickle, have been spotted sticking out through the bags and safely removed by employees of Serviceteam, NNDC's refuse contractors - and not one of the objects was wrapped or boxed to prevent possible injury.

"Most householders in North Norfolk are considerate when they dispose of 'sharps' with their rubbish," said Craig Hall, Serviceteam's Contracts Manager, "but there are some who just don't seem to care about the danger they are causing to their refuse collectors. They're not being malicious - they're just being totally thoughtless. And, to be frank, I think the problem is getting worse."

Mr Hall added that in recent months many of his men had been injured by glass, knives and wire piercing the plastic bags. In the worst case, almost 18 months ago, a collector was so badly cut by a sharp object that he was off work for six months and has still not recovered the full use of his hand.

"Serviceteam's top priority is the health and safety of its employees," said Mr Hall, "but, though our collectors and loaders take all due precautions, with the proper protective clothing and sensible handling procedures, it isn't possible to eliminate the risk of injury if 'sharps' aren't safely prepared for collection. We're very concerned about the increasing number of dangerous objects that are going into the bin bags."

This concern was echoed by Jonathan Denney, NNDC's Contracts Division Inspector, who, once again, is asking local residents to help reduce the danger of sharp objects put out for collection. "We hope that North Norfolk residents will consider the safety of those who work hard to keep the District clean and tidy on their behalf," he said, "and make sure their rubbish doesn't pose a danger to the collectors."

If householders wish to dispose of blades, knives and scissors, they should wrap them thoroughly in several sheets of newspaper or cardboard, secure the 'package' with string or tape, mark it with a warning label indicating 'sharps', and leave it near, but not in, the black plastic bag. Panes of glass and broken glass should be placed in a box and then dealt with in a similar way.

Used syringe needles should never be placed in a rubbish bag. They should be placed in special 'sharps' boxes that can be obtained free from NNDC by calling the Contracts Section on (01263) 513811. Fencing wire should be disposed of at an amenity site, or arrangements may be made for the Council to collect it (for a fee).

Special care should also be taken with empty food tins that are placed in the white recycling bags. To avoid the risk of cuts to collectors, householders are asked to tuck the lids carefully inside the tins before placing them in the sacks.

ENDS

Caption: Craig Hall (on the right) and Jonathan Denney display the 'sharps' that have been found in rubbish bags since Christmas. So much broken glass was discovered in the bags during the same period that it was impossible to store it.