Douglas Council is asking residents to minimise their domestic waste after coronavirus restrictions led to the suspension of its kerbside recycling collection service.

Householders are reminded that in the current situation no side waste, i.e. rubbish bags left at the side of wheelie bins, will be accepted.

Only household waste deposited in the bin with the lid left securely down will be collected.

With no kerbside collection service operating the waste services team is offering householders tips to cut down on waste and avoid wheelie bins filling up too quickly.

To minimise rubbish, residents are advised to remove the lids on cartons and plastic bottles and to squeeze the air out to save space. Cardboard boxes should be flattened and metal cans should be rinsed clean and stored until recycling is resumed, is this isn’t possible, they should be squashed flat and binned.

The advice for glass bottles is for residents to try to set aside until normal service resumes and people should avoid putting items like clothing/general household items in their bin that could be stowed until the amenity sites reopen.

If possible, garden waste should be composted.

A council spokesman added: ’Please note that fluorescent tubes, lamps and other electrical items should not be disposed of in your wheelie bin at any time.

’When you set your bin out for collection, the refuse crews would appreciate it if you could disinfect the handles and then thoroughly wash your hands after you have taken the bin back in once emptied.

’The crews handle hundreds of bins every day and give this advice to try to reduce any cross contamination.’