Bin collections are returning to normal in Waverley borough after a breakthrough in talks between waste contractor Biffa and the GMB union.

The proposed three-week walkout by bin workers began last Thursday after GMB union members working for Waverley Borough Council’s waste contractor Biffa rejected an improved pay offer.

Kerbside collections, and street cleaning, in Farnham, Haslemere, Godalming, Cranleigh and surrounding areas was set to halt until November 23.

But Waverley Borough Council confirmed in a statement on Monday that the strike had come to an end after an agreement was reached between Biffa and the GMB over the weekend.

This was confirmed on Tuesday by the GMB’s regional officer Paul Grafton, who added the reason for the breakthrough was “confidential”.

A council spokesman said: “The GMB union announced on Sunday, November 6, that it had reached an agreement with our waste contractor, Biffa, and was calling the strike off with effect from Monday, November 7.

“As all collections for waste and recycling were completed over the weekend, we are expecting the service to return to normal very quickly.

“Residents are asked to put all bins out according to your regular schedule and our missed bin reporting service will operate as usual.

“Please report any missed bin collections on our missed bin reporting service webpage:  https://orlo.uk/D6ELV

“We apologise for any inconvenience during the industrial action, and thank residents for their patience.”