KERBSIDE recycling collections in Swindon are to go back to every fortnight next week.

The borough council sparked worry and anger in many when it announced in late July that the collections were going monthly because of a lack of drivers for routes.

Now just three weeks later, the authority says it can go back to the normal fortnightly recycling regime from Monday after hiring more drivers and the relaxation of self-isolation rules.

Cabinet member for service delivery, waste and transport Kevin Parry, said: “I would firstly like to apologise to residents for the disruption to their recycling box collections over the last four weeks and thank them for bearing with us while we resolved our staffing issues within the waste and recycling service.

“Changing the frequency of collections was not an easy decision to make, but it was necessary so that we could prioritise the collection of perishable waste at the height of summer.

“Up to this point, our hard-working and dedicated team had kept all waste and recycling collection services fully operational since the first lockdown in March 2020 except for a short, two-week pause on the garden waste collection service. I’d like to extend my thanks to the crews for doing such a terrific job in very challenging circumstances.”

He acknowledged the return might not go entirely smoothly immediately. “While I am very pleased that we will be able to resume our full recycling service for residents from Monday we are expecting to see a huge amount of additional recycling put out for collection and this could result in pressure on the service we provide.

“We’d like to ask residents for their support and understanding whilst we restart the service.”

People who were due to have their recycling collected this week as part of the old monthly cycle can put their boxes out as planned.

Householders can put out extra recycling over the next few weeks, and if it is sorted correctly and put in suitable sturdy containers, crews will take it to help clear any backlog.

Recycling can be put out in large plastic storage tubs, large buckets and bags if materials are separated, such as glass in one bag and metal in another. Bags should not be too heavy or overfilled. Paper and card can be put out in cardboard boxes.

People can find their normal collection days on the collections calendar on the council’s website at swindon.gov.uk/rubbishcollectiondays and recycling can be taken to the tip in Cheney Manor. Residents can book a slot at swindon.gov.uk/hwrc or by calling customer services.