‘Outside Agencies’ To Begin Trash Collection

March 24, 2020

[Updated] The “decision was made to have outside agencies manage residential garbage collection” and the “Corporation of Hamilton and other private waste collection agencies will begin collecting residential garbage today,” the Ministry said.

This follows after the work stoppage yesterday, due to “concerns raised by workers in the Waste Management section,” which are unofficially understood to be related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Public Works and the Department of Works and Engineering advises the public that following a meeting today with the BIU and workers in the Waste Management Section, the decision was made to have outside agencies manage residential garbage collection across Bermuda from today until the end of day Friday, March 27.

“This decision addressed the concerns raised by the workers and ensures this essential service will immediately resume.

“The Corporation of Hamilton and other private waste collection agencies will begin collecting residential garbage today, beginning in the west from Sandys to Paget Parishes, and continuing through the week to the remainder of the island per the normal collection schedule.

“The BIU and Waste Management section workers have agreed to resume full waste collection services starting Monday, 30 March.

“The Department of Works and Engineering wishes to thank the public for their patience and apologizes for any inconvenience.”

Update 7.24pm:
Premier David Burt said, “I extend my sincere appreciation to the companies that stepped forward to provide collect garbage services for the rest of this week. The community spirit demonstrated by these companies is to be commended. I am extremely disappointed that the impasse did not end with Bermuda’s waste collection staff going back to work.”

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Comments (23)

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  1. Hey says:

    Who is the outside agencies. Anyone we know? Am grateful for this but concerned about unskilled disposal and any potential implications Re: disease on the individuals collecting and the people receiving the trash,

    We need more details on who the outside agencies are, thank you.

    • Honestly says:

      I am sure the outside agencies have been prepped in ways we won’t know. Relax and let them do their jobs.

  2. trufth says:

    Privatization!

    Finally!

    I hope this sticks and we keep it privatized long after the 27th.

  3. Outage says:

    And I suppose that these BIU workers will collect their pay even though they refuse to work? Good thing the Corp of Hamilton workers and private workers have come to our rescue – we should fire the others and outsource it!!!

  4. Ringmaster says:

    Surely the W&E “workers” aren’t getting paid as well as having to pay private employees to do the job? If this is an illegal stoppage, and as an essential service it would seem to be, stop their pay. What can they do, threaten to strike? An empty threat in these times. The BIU can pay them from their strike fund, if it has any money.

    • lol says:

      I don’t think there is any question that the BIU workers will still get paid. When have they ever not been paid. lol.

    • Dunn juice says:

      Of course therybare, with NO sign of the hypocritical marchers.

      • Ringmaster says:

        On the Tuesday evening news Minister Burch was visibly angry with the BIU/workers because of the reason for their refusal to work. Fear of contracting the virus from a worker who worked before the mandatory quarantine was announced. So with thousands of Bermudians without pay these people can enjoy a paid week’s vacation? Why isn’t the Government stopping pay to the workers? Afraid of a strike? Never happen because the BIU has no money to pay them. Bro Furbert must be laughing.

        • Question says:

          I hope when this is over everyone remembers this treachery by the BIU. They deserve contempt.

  5. Southampton says:

    As usual the BIU and Chris Furbert are messing things up for this island.

  6. Boston Whaler Owner says:

    Make Bermuda Great Again!
    Go Private.

  7. cpm says:

    Usual Furbert and biu nonsense

  8. Charlly X says:

    Dumb People taking things lightly. Health and Safety of yourself n Others is Paramount. Your personal opinion doesn’t over rule A Fact . Common Sense isn’t always first ! There’s Definitely a difference between stupidity ,ignorance !! N just plain Dopey !

  9. kevin says:

    Lets all hope Police / fire / Prisons/ Hospital staff don’t do the same but I trust their Professionalism will keep them at work working to keep us all protected.
    It probably is time to privatize this department like they did with recyclables

  10. Retro says:

    That’s a true display of patriotism from the BIU . Disgraceful !

  11. Rockfish#1 and# 2 says:

    Of course they will be getting paid.That’s probably why they didn’t return to work today or even tomorrow!

  12. Adklee says:

    Soo…did anyone’s trash actually get collected? The streets were not looking good up west an hour ago.

  13. Hypocritical Opinions says:

    Sooo hypocritically speaking…ahh I mean hypothetically speaking of course…if they had the covid 19 virus would you still want them picking up your garbage?! Don’t bother answer. We all know you wouldn’t. Use your mind for thought n not your built in waste disposal. You’re all so judgey. God’s watching you

    • Yes says:

      You are wrong. I would have no problem at all with them collecting my trash. When was the last time you came within coughing distance of your local trash collector?

      Wash your hands when you take the bin back and you’re all good. Plain and simple.

  14. Ernest Decouto says:

    What if the doctors and nurses and grocery clerks did the same thing.

  15. spinspinspin says:

    Yo Colonel, Bostock Lane still not collected. Was supposed to be yesterday.

  16. Joe Bloggs says:

    Recyclables have only been collected in my neighbourhood (central Pembroke) twice this year. I wasn’t aware of any change until I read this article!