Veolia, which collects bins and runs waste and recycling sites, says its workers are increasingly subjected to verbal and physical violence while doing their jobs. The firm has launched a campaign called StreetKind, to raise awareness, and has vowed to pursue prosecutions over cases of abuse.

       Frustration at being stuck behind collection vehicles or having to queue at recycling centres are listed as the most common reasons for abuse, with people in areas of Hampshire, Essex and London being among the worst offenders.

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