Peterborough City Council in Cambridgeshire is calling for residents to treat waste collection staff with respect following a rise in aggressive behaviour during bin rounds. The local authority has launched a new campaign to protect workers who have faced threats while trying to keep the city clean.
Since 1 April 2025, waste collection staff have reported 18 separate threats of violence while performing their duties. The council is using video testimonials from staff to highlight the issue, including one incident where workers were threatened with a hammer.
Many of these confrontations happen when staff follow official rules, such as refusing to pick up extra bags left next to bins. Councillor Angus Ellis, the cabinet member for environment and transport, is urging the public to remember that crews are simply following the city’s waste policies.
The waste services are currently managed by Aragon Direct Services, and the council maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding any abuse toward these workers. Any resident found to be targeting staff with verbal or physical aggression may be reported to the police.
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