Despite the fire, East Northants council has said that recycling and waste collections will remain unaffected with Kier having organised replacement vehicles for the collection of residual waste, recycling and food waste.
Residents have been informed that collection days for material will not be changing in light of the fire.
Food waste
However, destruction of the dual-compartment collection vehicles means that food waste collections will have to be conducted separately to residual waste or recyclable materials, which had previously been done in one round.
In a statement to residents in the wake of the fire, councillor Steven North, leader of East Northamptonshire council, said: “It was very disappointing to hear about this weekend’s fire, but we’re trying our best to ensure that the collection service continues.
“The waste team appreciate your understanding and confirm that any minor changes to the service will be temporary.”
‘Accidental ignition’
The fire, which broke out early on Saturday morning, has been described by Northants Police as having been a result of ‘accidental ignition’.
The six vehicles destroyed by the blaze had been used to service Kier’s waste and recycling services contract with East Northants council which began in 2011 and is due to run until 2018.
Kier took over the contract from London-based Cory Environmental, which ran the service for 22 years (see letsrecycle.com story).
The contractor currently operates an alternate weekly collection system for commingled recyclable material and residual waste, with food waste collected from the kerbside every week.
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