Anything but rubbish: South Hams has the UK’s second most efficient bin collection crew

Devon’s refuse collectors are clearing up when it comes to waste management – as South Hams Council is named the second most efficient rubbish disposal service in the country. 

The region’s hard-working crews missed just 177 bin collections in 2019 and 55 in 2018; the most recent data available. This equates to an average missed bin collection rate of 0.00285% based on the number of households served, or an average of 2.8 missed collections per 1000 households per year - a figure beaten only by Cornwall. 

These figures have been collated by Whitespace Work Software, the municipal waste management technology experts, which contacted 309 local authorities under the Freedom of Information Act (2000). 

Data from the 132 councils that responded revealed that South Hams was one of nine regions with a missed bin collection rate of less than 0.02% - <14 missed collections per 1000 households per year, which is significantly lower than the national average missed collection rate of 73. 

Mark Garvey, CEO, Whitespace Work Software, comments: “Given the extreme pressure local authorities are under to maintain their services on tight budgets, it’s really encouraging to see that South Hams is using its refuse collection resources to great effect. However, it’s important that teams across the county continue to optimise their waste management services – particularly after disruptions during the pandemic.” 

Whitespace is encouraging local authorities to help residents report missed collections quickly, by introducing innovative technologies such as mobile apps and online information portals.  

Mark Garvey adds: “We all know how frustrating it is when our rubbish isn't picked up and we have to report it. The easier we can make it for residents to report missed collections, the quicker local authorities can rectify the issue, and the happier communities feel. Digital waste management technologies like resident mobile apps and web portals enable households to report problems online, so councils can get the message to collection crews, to keep the region’s streets as clean as possible.” 

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For more data on missed domestic bin collections region by region, visit whitespacews.com/missedcollections.