Bin crews are adding rainbows to their rounds in recognition of the support and appreciation shown by families during the Coronavirus pandemic.

In the wake of hundreds of colourful images appearing in windows, notes of thanks attached to bins and even rounds of applause for staff, Newcastle City Council’s bin wagons are being fitted with rainbow stickers urging people to stay safe.

The initiative comes as residents who have their bins collected on a Friday are reminded that, due to the Good Friday bank holiday, this week’s pick-ups will be one day later, on Saturday April 11.

Cllr Nick Kemp, cabinet member for environment and regulatory services, said: “I am immensely proud of our waste team who, while facing the most significant public health challenge of our lifetime, are continuing to provide a full collection service to our residents.

“It is a true demonstration of public service and it is fantastic to see, during these very difficult times, the appreciation being shown for crews.

“I ask the public if you see our crews, shout out your thanks and applaud these amazing people.”

Keeping our bin crews safe

To enable bin crews to operate within government guidelines around social distancing, the council has redeployed staff and minibuses that would have been used by its Special Education and Needs Disability service to drive crews, who cannot all be in a bin wagon cab together, around.

Bin crews are also taking other precautionary measures including wearing gloves and facemasks.

Small gesture 'to spread hope and say thank you'

Mick Murphy, the council’s head of local services and waste management, said the new rainbow stickers – which are on all the city’s bin wagons - were just a simple way of acknowledging the kindness being shown by residents.

"As a resident of Newcastle I am extremely proud of our city and our residents for the support they have given to our staff during these challenging times.

“Crews are seeing rainbows in many windows and I hope that through this small gesture we can join them in spreading hope and let people know how much we appreciate their backing.

"Thank you to everyone and please stay safe."

Bank holiday changes to bin collections

All of Newcastle City Council’s bin collections are currently continuing as usual with the exception of those on the Good Friday (April 10) and May Day (May 8) bank holidays, which will take place one day later on Saturday April 11 and Saturday May 9.

A few residents may have received calendars for garden waste suggesting collections that would have been on April 10 would take place on April 13. That is not the case and those pick-ups will also take place on Saturday April 11.

To check your bin day visit community.newcastle.gov.uk/my-neighbourhood