A Cumbrian council has decided to reduce the size of its recycling boxes in order to protect its staff from damaging their backs.
South Lakeland District Council will now issue residents with 44-litre rather than 55-litre recycling boxes to reduce the weight of the containers.
The move, which the council says will have ‘no effect on households’ ability to recycle’, aims to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to council staff and members of the public.
National guidance from the Health and Safety Executive shows there is clear evidence associated with the risk factors of the weight and frequency of handling 55-litre boxes.
‘The latest council performance figures in October showed that the council was performing well against its recycling targets and the phased introduction of 44-litre blue recycling boxes will not affect that performance,’ said Cllr Dyan Jones, portfolio holder for the environment.?
