Some 2,500 tonnes of extra household waste has been collected from Medway homes since the start of lockdown.

Binmen are continuing to carry out weekly kerbside collections but have seen a sharp increase in the amount of rubbish and recycling being picked up in the first six weeks of the government's restrictions.

But no waste went to landfill at all in April with all black sack rubbish sent to incinerators to generate electricity.

Figures provided to KentOnline also show a slight reduction in the number of fly-tipping incidents being reported across the Towns.

At its peak, refuse collections for black sacks, recycling and green waste in Medway reached a whopping 2,704 tonnes – almost 800 tonnes more than the weekly average in 2019.

The government introduced lockdown measures on March 23 and between then and May 3, the council has collected 13,791 tonnes of kerbside waste which was 2,289 more than the same period last year.

Black sack waste increased by 1,154 tonnes, garden waste by 765 tonnes and recycling by 370 tonnes.

Bulky waste collections – such as sinks, beds and white goods – has also increased by 157 tonnes during lockdown.

This brings the total amount of waste collected by the council to 14,238 tonnes, which is 2,446 more than the same six-week period last year.

In the peak week between April 6 and 12 – a fortnight into lockdown – the council collected 1,351 tonnes of black sack household refuse, 936 tonnes of garden waste and 417 tonnes of recycling.

The council says the rise in waste collections is purely down to people spending more time at home rather than at school or work.

Average weekly collection weight – including bulky waste – in 2020 (2,373 tonnes) is up by almost 400 tonnes compared to 2019.

Less commercial waste is being collected due to the lockdown so energy recovery facilities have seen an increase from household waste to supply electricity.

"I am pleased that Medway residents continue to receive one of the best weekly collection services in the country"

Fly-tipping incidents have fallen by 2% the council said, with an 11% reduction (nine tonnes) in the total amount discovered dumped in Medway streets and fields in the seven weeks from the start of lockdown.

The council says it is maintaining a "robust business continuity" plan to ensure weekly collections for waste continue.

Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said: “I’d personally like to thank the crews and all the staff who have maintained our excellent weekly service during these challenging and busy times.

"Thank you also to Medway residents for your cooperation during this time.

"I am pleased that Medway residents continue to receive one of the best weekly collection services in the country.

"Please do continue to recycle and dispose of the appropriate waste on your household collection day or make use of our bulky collection service for larger goods.”

The council is also reminding people of their responsibility to ensure waste is disposed of properly and to only use a business with a valid registered waste carriers' licence.

Personal waste such as tissues and disposable cleaning cloths must also be discarded responsibly and should be double bagged and kept separate from other waste for at least 72 hours before being put out for collection on a normal collection day with other waste.

Last week, household waste centres reopened with a new online booking system in place but huge queues formed as roads around them became gridlocked.

To report fly-tipping, go to the council's website at www.medway.gov.uk/flytipping

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