The trade union Unite has confirmed that Wirral refuse workers voted in favour of strike action in a pay dispute with waste management company Biffa last Thursday but a walkout is postponed amidst the current coronavirus crisis.

With waste workers deemed ‘key workers’ and essential to keeping public services running, leading industry associations have raised concerns over how to keep waste operatives safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

The UK waste sector has issued a joint statement to the public urging residents to follow government advice on managing their household rubbish to minimise the spread of coronavirus to waste workers and warning of emergency service changes.

UK waste management companies are working up contingency plans to ensure that they are able to continue to provide waste services and keep their operatives safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

Ray Georgeson will take temporary charge of international waste management charity WasteAid once CEO Mike Webster leaves his post at the end of March.

The Environmental Services Association (ESA) has welcomed the government’s “pragmatic” decision to suspend MOT testing for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), including refuse collection vehicles, for three months during the coronavirus outbreak.

Pennon Group has entered into a £4.2-billion agreement for the sale of Viridor to newly-formed company Planets UK Bidco Limited.

Today (18 March) marks the third annual Global Recycling Day – an international initiative aiming to promote the value of recycling in the development of the circular economy.

Waste and infrastructure business Peel Environmental has called for the UK to invest over £7.5 billion in infrastructure to deal with plastic waste over the next 10 years.

Biffa has published a new strategy, entitled ‘Resourceful, Responsible’, outlining the waste management company’s long-term sustainability plans.