Strike action

How long will the strike last?

The strike action is planned to start at 5am on 14 August until 4.59am on 22 August.

We’re anticipating that there will be no bin collections or street cleaning during that time. Public toilets will also be closed.

Please continue to check our website and Twitter regularly for updates on suspended services and how to safely and responsibly manage your waste during the strike.

Why is there a strike?

This is a national dispute over pay with strike action planned to take place across the country in other councils. Discussions are ongoing between COSLA, trade unions and the Scottish Government with a view to agreeing a pay deal and resolving the dispute.

Why can’t you pay your workers more?

Pay awards for council workers are agreed nationally by COSLA, not by individual councils. COSLA is the national association that represents all 32 Scottish councils. Pay negotiations are continuing between COSLA, the Trade Unions and the Scottish Government with a view to reaching an agreement and ending the dispute over pay.

Why can’t you hire contractors to empty the bins during the strike?

It is illegal for any organisation to bring in temporary workers to perform the duties of striking workers. Doing this could be considered ‘strike busting.’

Which services will run?

Assuming the strike goes ahead, we are anticipating that

• there will be no bin collections or street cleaning services
• recycling centres will be closed
• our flytipping and special uplift services will be suspended
• public toilets will be closed.

How will it affect me?

During the strike there will be no bin collections or street cleaning services and public toilets will be closed.

If you use our wheelie bin service, please do not put your bins out on your scheduled collection day until the strike ends. If you use our communal bin service, please do not leave waste next to full bins or on the street. Recycling centres are also closed and flytipping and bulky uplift services are suspended.

Please follow the guidance on our website on how to reduce and manage your waste responsibly. We’ll update our website and our Twitter account regularly with the latest news and advice, so please check them regularly.

What should I do with my waste and recycling during the strike?

• During the strike do not put your wheelie bins or boxes out for collection.
• If you use communal bins please do not add to full bins. Check nearby bins instead, and when these are all full, store your waste at home, or in your back green or garden if possible.
• Be prepared to take litter home with you. If you have takeaway litter (eg coffee cups or food packaging) you can also be able to take it back to where you bought it.
• Do not leave bags next to full bins, or any bulky items. These will not get cleared away and can become a hazard and block access.
• Make sure you have plenty of strong black bags, and be prepared to fill, seal and store these with overflow waste. 
• Separate your recycling, rinse food and drink containers, flatten all cardboard and crush drinks cans and bottles. You can bag these up, separated, to empty into the recycling bin when you can.
• Keep all food waste separate and in an enclosed container, to reduce smells and problems with wildlife and vermin attacking excess waste.
• Double bag your dog's poo and take it home with you if litter bins are full. Do not leave it in the street, parks or public places.
• Store your waste sensibly and safely. Use and share empty garage space if you can. Store bags within your garden or driveway if you can, rather than on the pavement or the street.
• Talk to your neighbours and share responsibility for keeping spillages etc to a minimum. Help neighbours who can’t help themselves quite so well. Explain the situation to people who may not have heard.

Will litter bins be emptied and street cleansing services run?

We anticipate there will be no street cleansing activities, including street sweeping and litter bin emptying. Please either use a bin that’s not full or take it home and double bag it to reduce smells. We would encourage you to take used takeaway food containers back to the place you bought them.

What should I do with my dog’s poo if bins are full?

Keep bagging your dog’s poo when you’re out and about and if the bins are full, please double bag it and take it home. Do not leave it in the street, parks or public places.

When will my bins be emptied?

We’re developing a detailed recovery plan so the clean-up can begin immediately following the strike. It may take a while for services to get back to normal after the strike.

We’d recommend you check our website and Twitter account regularly for advice about when services are restarting and what you need to do.

Can I book a bulky uplift?

No, this service will be suspended.

Can I use a recycling centre?

No, recycling centres will be closed during the strike. You will be able to book an appointment for after the strike. Bookings for these dates will open on 22 August.

If you’ve booked an appointment during the strike dates, we’ll contact you by email to cancel your booking and give you details on how to rebook.

Why can’t I report a missed bin on your website?

During the strike it will not be possible report missed bins or request waste and cleansing services online. 

If you see a syringe with a needle littered on the street call 0131 608 1100. If you need to report another emergency issue where waste is causing injury or hazard, please phone and listen to the new options carefully. Phone 0131 608 1100, from Monday -Thursday 1000-1600 and Friday 1000-1500.  After these hours, phone 0131 200 2000.

You can also email waste@edinburgh.gov.uk with the specific location and details of the issue.

Please note, during the strike, not all emergencies can be dealt with, but these will be listed for attendance after strike.

Can I report a syringe/sharp littered in the street?

If you see a syringe with a needle littered on the street call 0131 608 1100. If you need to report another emergency issue where waste is causing injury or hazard, please phone and listen to the new options carefully. Phone 0131 608 1100, from Monday -Thursday 1000-1600 and Friday 1000-1500.  After these hours, phone 0131 200 2000.

Are trade waste services affected?

Trade waste collections will not be affected by the strikes as this is not a service the Council provides for businesses.

I’m a business, what should I do with my waste?

Trade waste collections will not be affected by the strikes as this is not a service the Council provides for businesses. Please speak to your trade waste provider if you are concerned and adjust your collections accordingly to make sure you continue to have enough capacity and collections scheduled during the strike.

Please help us to minimise litter in the city by making suitable arrangements so your business is ready for the impact of the strike

• make sure bags/bins are not left out when your business is not open. They should only be put out during your trade waste collection window
• if your business provides packaging that could become litter (eg takeaway food or drinks) please encourage your customers to bring their litter back to your premises to dispose of it or to take it home with them
• provide reusable packaging for customers wherever possible
• continue to provide bins, where possible on your premises, to collect any potential litter created from your business eg used drinks containers etc
• share the latest information and guidance with your customers, stakeholders and colleagues via your communication channel
• download and display a poster for your premises to raise awareness of the strike.

Will I get a refund for missed garden waste collections?

We’re unable to provide refunds for missed collections.