With waste operatives across the country going the extra mile during the Covid-19 crisis to keep waste and recycling collections going, residents have been making their appreciation felt for all their hard work.

With waste and recycling collections crucial to public and environmental health during the Covid-19 crisis, waste workers – deemed ‘key workers’ by the government’ – have continued to carry out essential services during the epidemic.

And much like for frontline NHS workers, waste workers have been receiving thanks and gratitude from householders, many of whom are self-isolating or social distancing to limit the spread of the virus, providing great encouragement in these difficult times.

Waste collection crews working for FCC Environment have noted the heartfelt messages of praise, good wishes and colourful drawings to thank them for “keeping the country going” in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

Mike Stass, FCC Environment Area Manager for South Hams and West Devon, said: “We were overjoyed to receive such encouraging and warm messages from the community. I am immensely proud of the FCC Environment team and the wider waste and resource management industry for doing our very best to continue our day-to-day duties during these extremely challenging times.”

Waste management Biffa has released a video showing all the messages of support – and even some tasty treats! – given to its waste collectors up and down the country by adults and children alike.

Meanwhile, Veolia has launched a #StreetSmiles campaign, which encourages residents to leave thank you notes for waste workers or to put up hand-drawn smiling suns in their windows as a sign of appreciation.

Ricardo Fernandes, Veolia Waste Collector, said: “When I started to see the smiling suns coming through for us it made my day. I’m proud to be doing what I do and keeping communities going, but it can be hard. Seeing the public support out there makes a huge difference for us.”

Veolia is encouraging residents to tweet a picture and message to @VeoliaUK or their local council with #StreetSmiles. Everything sent in is then fed back to waste collection teams on the ground.

Gavin Graveson, Executive Vice President for Veolia UK and Ireland, added: “We have been overwhelmed by public support for our front line staff, with many residents asking us how they can express gratitude towards their waste collectors. #StreetsSmiles allows residents to say ‘thanks’ safely, and spreads sunshine to key workers as they carry out essential tasks.

“I am extremely proud to work in the waste industry and that Veolia’s teams, and all individuals in the sector, are delivering for the nation during this challenging time. We hope that residents can continue to support us by following the government's advice closely, and brightening up the days of our hard working staff by displaying a smiling sun in their windows.”

On 25 March, the waste and recycling sector released a joint statement calling on the public to follow government advice to help protect waste workers continuing to carry out essential service.

To protect waste workers and combat the spread of infection, anyone who feels ill at home (whether diagnosed with Covid-19 or not) should place all their waste in the general rubbish bin, and should double-bag it, making sure the bags are securely tied. They should then wait at least 72 hours before placing it out for collection.