Tandridge District Council is apologising to residents who have been experiencing delays to their recycling and waste collections. The Council's waste contractor Biffa has been affected by a number of issues.

The roadworks on the M25 and a series of accidents over the last few weeks have led to long delays for the recycling and waste lorries getting to Dunbrik waste transfer station in Sevenoaks, where materials are unloaded. Biffa and Tandridge District Council are trying to find a temporary alternative site and are in discussions with Surrey County Council.

In addition delays at Dunbrik and vehicle breakdowns have also created problems. These delays mean the crews are unable to finish the day's collections, as the drivers are not legally allowed to drive for more than ten hours.

Food waste not collected on the right day should not cause a problem, as the outside green food waste caddies are designed to lock to help prevent any flies from getting in. Using compostable bags for food waste or newspaper to line the bins should also help. More information is available on www.tandridge.gov.uk/storingwaste.

Councillor Tony Elias, Chairman of the Community Services Committee, said: "While most collections are being made on time, we apologise to anyone who has experienced delays in their collections. We are working with Biffa to get collections back on track as soon as possible."