CEREDIGION County Council have mounted a robust defence of their waste collection service amid mounting complaints of uncollected rubbish.

Recent issues highlighted by the Tivy-Side in Cardigan’s St Mary’s Street have triggered similar criticism of waste collection service disruptions across mid and south Ceredigion.

A spokesperson said: "Unfortunately but invariably an operational service of the size and scope of our waste collection service, delivered over a large geographical area, will be subject to occasional disruption.

"Whilst waste services are scheduled for collection on prescribed days a variety of issues affecting the availability of our staff and vehicles can affect this on a day to day basis.

"We apologise sincerely when this is the case and look to recover the situation as quickly as practicably possible as well as providing timely advice and information to the public.

"We endeavour to provide a high quality reliable waste collection service that our customers expect and deserve.

"On the whole, and even through the COVID-19 pandemic which has brought its own additional challenges and pressures, we have been able to achieve this.

"Taking into account we provide weekly collections of various waste streams from approximately 31,000 domestic properties across Ceredigion the reflective low level of feedback received suggests and supports this.

"We very much appreciate and acknowledge the understanding and ongoing support of the vast majority of our customers who, as part of Caru Ceredigion, have worked with us to make Ceredigion the second best performing recycling county in Wales."

Meanwhile a council spokesperson strongly denied rumours of a spate of refuse lorry breakdowns.

“The inspection and servicing of our fleet vehicles has continued as scheduled throughout the pandemic period,” she told the Tivy-Side.

“Therefore, the assertion made in respect of the servicing of our fleet vehicles is misinformed, unfounded and untrue."

Routes affected so far this week include:

Wednesday, August 4: Route 104 - Cardigan, Penparc (Glass and Black bags); Route 160: Llangoedmor, Penparc, Pantgwyn (Glass & Black Bags). Route 119: Adpar, Ffostrasol, Rhydlewis, Blaen Cil-llech, Cwm Cou, Bryngwyn, Beulah, Tanygroes, Brongest (Clear Recycling Bags and Food Waste).

Thursday, August 5: Route 118: Blaenporth, Tanygroes, Blaenannerch, Tremain, Parcllyn, Felinwynt, Ferwig, Penparc, Llangoedmor, Ponthirwaun, Llandygwydd, Cwm Cou (Clear Recycling Bags & Food Waste). Route Route 170: Gorsgoch, Talgarreg, Cwrt Newydd, Cwmsychpant, Llanwnen, Capel Dewi, Bwlch y Fadfa, Pontsian, Llanwenog, Synod Inn, Drefach, Bryngwyn, Ponthirwaun, Llechryd, Tremain (Glass & Black Bags). Route 179: Dol Y Bont, Llandre, Borth. Route 118: Tanygroes (Glass).

Friday, August 6: Route 178: Cardigan, Gwbert, Y Ferwig, Aberporth, Blaenannerch, Penparc, Parcllyn (Clear Recycling Bags & Food Waste).

Visit the Ceredigion County Council website for details of re-scheduled collection dates.

A statement on the website says: "The waste collection service is usually provided between 8am and 4pm, however there may be occasions where we work outside these hours.

"Please therefore do not report a missed bin until the day after your scheduled collection.  

"Taking into account that they are working out in all weathers they are also susceptible to seasonal illnesses as the rest of the population are. COVID-19 has added a further pressure.

"We would like to thank our residents for their understanding and ongoing support at this particularly challenging time."