Recycling centre site staff across Essex are facing an increasing amount of abuse from members of the public.
Front line staff are regularly reporting incidents of threats and verbal abuse with some members of the public ignoring site rules. In some cases, this has led to physical violence against site staff.
Barry Dolphin, Operations Manager for the 21 recycling centres across Essex, said “Regrettably, those most at risk are those who are engaged in helping to provide an essential service.
“Essex County Council will take the necessary action in regard to abusive or threatening behaviour directed at site staff.
“As part of supporting our staff and reducing the risk of abuse in the workplace, operatives wear bodycams which enable us to record and report incidents.”
Cllr Malcolm Buckley, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Waste Reduction and Recycling, said: “Staff at Essex Recycling Centres are knowledgeable, informative and caring that all material deposited at recycling centres goes in the correct container.
“They are one of the reasons we have such a high recycling rate in Essex of 51 per cent, well above the national average of 42 per cent.
“Abuse of essential workers is unacceptable and any incidences will be reported to the police.”
“We are asking for these essential workers, who keep our county clean and sustainable, to be shown the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Further information on recycling centres and site rules are here.