Some households will have to wait an extra week for their rubbish to be collected due to delays at a waste transfer station.

Medway Council says there is “major disruption” to its New Year’s waste collection schedule at present.

It has confirmed festive pick-up dates have had to be revised due to what it says are “circumstances beyond their control”.

The problems relate to issues clearing a waste transfer station managed by Veolia, the council's current rubbish contractor.

A spokesman for the local authority said: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are sorry but we have had to make some changes to this week’s festive waste collection dates.

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience. We would like to thank Medway Norse and Veolia crews who have worked hard over the festive period collecting and handling more waste than usual.”

“If your waste and recycling was not collected yesterday (January 3) please leave it out by 7am each day and we will collect it by Saturday, January 6.

“If you are due to have your waste and recycling collected today (January 4) please leave it out by 7am each day and we will collect it by Saturday, January 6.

“If your waste and recycling is due to be collected on Friday, January 5, or Saturday, January 6, then unfortunately it will not be picked up this week.

“Your waste and recycling will be collected on your normal bin collection date next week.”

On Monday, January 8, the collection dates will return to normal. For more information on the changes click here.

Cllr Simon Curry, portfolio holder covering waste, has apologised to residents in a video message posted online.

But the delays have left many residents living in the Medway Towns fuming.

One person said: “We'll now have three weeks worth of rubbish to put out next week.”

While others pointed to environmental issues with another adding: “Foxes and cats will have a field day with the rubbish that will be left out overnight.

“Our rubbish, as well many others, wasn't collected on our normal Tuesday collection either.”

Medway Council leader, Vince Maple acknowledged “frustrations” while emphasising refuge staff have been working hard despite the delay.

The Labour leader said: “The need to change Christmas waste collections due to capacity at the Veolia transfer centre is frustrating.

“Staff at Medway Norse and Veolia have been working hard.

“In the meantime, please share this information, particularly with any friends/relatives who are not on social media.”

The current £2,7m contract with Veolia is set to run until October 2024, with the option of an additional two-year extension.