Bin collectors abused while on duty, says council

Abuse faced by refuse bin collection staff has been highlighted by a council during a campaign to combat incidents.

Peterborough City Council and its waste contractor Aragon Direct Services said collection staff have experienced aggressive and threatening behaviour while on duty.

The authority said it was raising awareness via a series of social media videos, including one that features two workers who describe the impact of being verbally abused and threatened with a hammer while working.

Angus Ellis, the council's cabinet member for environment and transport, said it was "deeply concerning and saddening" to hear such accounts.

"No-one should face abuse simply for doing their job and that this behaviour will not be tolerated," he added.

Council figures show crews reported 29 threats of violence between 2024-25 , including five incidents involving aggressive behaviour and one case of verbal abuse.

A further 18 threats have been recorded since April 2025, along with another incident of aggression.

Ellis said: "Our dedicated staff in our waste and recycling services work really hard and make such a valuable contribution to our communities. They're a vital part our teamwork to keep our city clean and also achieve climate action targets.

"We are raising awareness of this important issue in the hope of cracking down on these incidents and I would urge anyone who witnesses staff abuse to report this as soon as possible."

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