Rubbish collections across North Somerset were disrupted once again yesterday (July 8) – with missed pick-ups being blamed on a crash on the M5.
People living in large swathes of the district did not have their bins emptied after a crash on the motorway caused havoc on surrounding roads.
, happened at just after noon on the northbound carriageway between junctions 22 for Burnham-on-Sea and 21 for Weston-super-Mare.
The carriageway was closed for more than two hours, re-opening at around 2.30pm.
Traffic was diverted off the motorway, causing gridlock on other major routes, including the A38 and A370.
Council chiefs say the congestion from the crash – plus issues with staff shortages and vehicle breakdowns – meant crews were unable to complete collections.
Extra crews are now being brought in to clear the backlog.
As a result of the issues, recycling was not collected in West Wick, Backwell and parts of Nailsea and Portishead.
Collections were also disrupted in Haywood Village, North Worle and Claverham.
Black bins were also left unemptied on parts of the Oldmixon in Weston and parts of Backwell.
Garden waste collections were disrupted in Flax Bourton, West Wick, parts of Yatton, Claverham, St Georges and Weston Village.
A council spokesperson said: “Due to a combination of staff shortages, vehicle breakdowns and the accident on the M5, crews have not been able to clear all outstanding collections today.
“The crash on the M5 caused congestion and delays on other routes which meant that our collection vehicles could not unload as quickly as normal meaning some collections were missed.
“Three extra crews are being brought in to clear the garden waste and recycling from the weekend and crews will also be clearing Monday's collections.”
People are being urged to be patient and leave their bins out for collection.
The council spokesperson added: “We're sorry for the delay. Please bear with us while crews catch-up.
“Please leave your containers out for collection."
Collections were disrupted last week with missed collections being blamed on staff shortages and vehicle breakdowns.
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