COUNCIL bosses have suspended garden waste collections across the district.

The measure came into force on Wednesday.

The move is so Braintree Council can focus on collecting essential grey bins, food waste and recycling.

The council, says Covid-19 has led to a reduction in resources as well as an increase in the amount of rubbish and recyling per household.

During the lockdown, more residents are spending time at home and are putting out more waste for collection each week.

In the wake of the suspension, the council is also urging residents to consider home composting to reduce their garden waste.

The collection of all other recycling and rubbish across the district is currently unaffected.

Council environment boss Wendy Schmitt said: “These are unprecedented circumstances and as a council we have to use the resources we have available in the most appropriate way and it’s important that we prioritise other collections where more waste is being produced.

“Our priority is to try to maintain essential services throughout the difficult weeks and months ahead, and to do what we can to support the health and well-being of all our residents and staff.

“We are making this change now to make sure we can provide important waste and recycling collections for as long as we possibly can.

“We know spring is a busy time for gardeners and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but we hope that households will understand our decision and make use of other options such as home composting and mulching during this time.”

She added: “Thank you to everyone for their understanding and patience during this time.”

For more infromation about home composting, visit loveessex.org.

You can also visit braintree.gov.uk/ for more information about council recycling.