Some landfill sites are having to disinfect vehicles moving waste and composting sites close to farms are also monitoring the situation closely.
In Norfolk, Broadland district council has said it will collect from alternative points if farmers would prefer them to do so.
“At the moment the vehicles drive right into the farms and although there are currently no cases of foot and mouth reported locally, potentially the vehicles could transmit the disease,” said Andy Jarvis, the council’s head of environmental health. He added: “If a farmer can propose alternative collection arrangements we will be happy to discuss these and help in any way we can.”
In Cornwall Caradon district council has suspended all services that require entry onto farmland. It is asking farmers to keep their refuse secure on their premises until further notice.
In Wales, Carmarthenshire county council is asking farm residents to bring refuse to the nearest highway for collection.
David Rawlinson, who is chairman of the Environmental Services Association health and safety committee and also responsible for health and safety at the UK’s largest waste management company SITA, confirmed that advice was being sought from government.
“The industry is very much aware of the issues surrounding foot and mouth and we are seeking advice from MAFF on all aspects.”
He said that the restrictions around farms were giving rise to some difficulties. “We want to co-operate fully with farmers. Wherever farmers and councils are putting controls in and not letting us past the gate we will co-operate in any way necessary.”
Mr Rawlinson said that the controls are also affecting landfill sites. “I know of one instance where advice is being sought from the Environment Agency about monitoring because normally readings are taken from nearby farmland.”
For information about foot and mouth,including advice for hauliers, see the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at MAFF website.
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