Rogue refuse collectors who mixed sorted recyclable items with rubbish are no longer being employed by Colchester Council.

The binmen were caught throwing the sorted items left for collection at the kerbside into refuse vehicles with black bags - ruining recycling efforts and wasting time spent by residents trying to be environmentally friendly.

Colchester Council's portfolio holder for street services and waste Peter Chillingworth made the admission at last night's full council meeting.

Mr Chillingworth said: "I must say the refuse staff are all instructed not to put recyclables in with the black bags - it is a deadly sin as far as they are concerned.

"We know this has happened, though. We are aware of problems in the Dutch Quarter and the agency staff concerned are no longer employed."

He added checks have been introduced at the tip which are carried out if reports come in of such behaviour.

Published Thursday, September 16, 2004

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