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Apr 2020

Last Updated: 02/04/2020

Environment

Fears of fly tipping in Harrogate district as recycling centres close

by Tamsin O'Brien

| 02 Apr, 2020

North Yorkshire County Council asks people not to create extra waste during the lockdown period

North Yorkshire County Council has warned people not to fly tip during the temporarily closure of recycling centres because of coronavirus.

The council has asked households to try to create less waste and not be tempted to start carrying out DIY or gardening projects which create extra rubbish.

Speaking for both the district and county council, County Councillor Andrew Lee, Executive Member for Waste Management said:

“We understand that during this time of confinement people are at home when they wouldn’t normally be, so may generate more waste, particularly if they need to have food and other essentials delivered. But we ask them to consider their waste and minimise it as far as possible to support the efforts of the refuse collection teams.. If you overload your general waste bin, it may not be emptied"

In some areas in the Harrogate district green garden waste collections have been delayed until mid-April. To protect the collection teams residents are being told to:

Double bag rubbish for collection if they are feeling ill - even if they haven't been diagnosed with Covid-19

To clean bin handles before and after collection.

Some residents though have already experienced non domestic waste being dumped in their bins and are concerned. Gillian Parkin who lives in the Rossett Green area of Harrogate told the Stray Ferret that last night she put their black wheelie bin out only to find someone had put two large bin bags full of wallpaper strippings in it overnight. She fears the situation will get worse.

"I am concerned that we are going to see more of this sort of thing as we can't go to recycling centres. it is just the beginning. If people can't dispose of the rubbish they are generating over coming weeks they will become very imaginative and devious"

North Yorkshire Council Council has reminded people that fly tipping is an offence:

“Do not fly tip. It is an offence punishable by fines or imprisonment and offenders will be prosecuted. Beyond that it is an eyesore and a potential health hazard at a time when, more than ever, we should be showing respect for the place we live and those we share it with.”

Yesterday Harrogate Borough Council has posted photographs of messages of thanks and support people have left on their bins for the collection staff.

https://twitter.com/Harrogatebc/status/1244977898777464833