Extra rubbish bags left next to wheelie bins will be picked up by collection crews as households create more waste during the coronavirus lockdown.

Bags of ‘side waste’ will be collected under a temporary ‘clear all’ policy announced by Enfield Council on Monday (April 6).

The update, published on Twitter by council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan, comes after a 15 per cent increase in waste produced by people staying at home to stop the spread of the virus.

In line with other boroughs, the council has temporarily closed Barrowell Green Recycling Centre as part of coronavirus safety measures.

Enfield Council’s workforce is currently down 17 per cent due to general absences and the impact of coronavirus – putting pressure on frontline teams.

It has asked residents to help by trying to minimise the amount of rubbish, recycling and food waste they produce.

Households have been asked to put out no more than two extra sacks for each collection and to avoid big clear-outs until the coronavirus crisis is over.

Any potentially infected items, such as tissues and cloths, should be placed in separate bags, double-bagged and set aside for at least three days before being placed in a wheelie bin.

The council says it will maintain a full collection service covering general waste, dry recycling, food waste and garden waste.

The update adds: “Keeping our council officers safe is a top priority. We have already made personal protective equipment such as disposable gloves, overalls and aprons, face masks, hand sanitiser and disposable wipes available.

“We are also sanitising the inside of our vehicles on a daily basis and our crews are being asked to spend the minimum time in refuse trucks.

“Enfield Council is working hard to make it as easy as possible for residents to stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak.”