Brown bin collections are back on again in South Ayrshire.
Lorries will start to lift garden waste from Monday, April 13 on homes’ normal scheduled bin day.
Last week nearly half - 44 per cent - of South Ayrshire Council’s waste management team were off sick or carrying out emergency duties caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Many residents stuck at home during lockdown have been outside tidying their gardens - so have plenty of grass cuttings to get rid off.
The council stopped emptying the brown wheelie bins more than two weeks ago but confirmed yesterday they will resume again.
They need to be out before 5.45am on the collection date.
The recycling centres including Heathfield in Ayr and elsewhere are still closed.
There are fewer litter picks, street sweeps and grass cuts taking place as council employees work on critical services.
The council warned other services may be suspended at short notice depending on whether the crisis worsens.
It also said people should not burn rubbish because recycling centres are closed.
A council statement said: “There is a significant reduction in our available resources, which will have an impact on some of our recycling and waste services. To allow us to continue to collect your household waste, we have prioritised general waste; food waste and recycling streams.”
The council warned the environmental health team would take action against residents who regularly light bonfires.
It said: “With good weather encouraging residents to open windows, dry washing outdoors and enjoy their gardens, burning rubbish can become a real issue.”
