Communities thanked for responsible actions while waste recycling centres are shut
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Communities across the Highland Council area have been thanked for taking a responsible attitude to household waste.
Councillor Allan Henderson, chairman of the local authority's communities and place committee, reported that there had been no marked increase in fly-tipping incidents since the coronavirus restrictions were put in place.
With recycling centres temporarily closed, and the bulky uplift service suspended, the council is reminding the public to store waste items safely for the time being.
Councillor Henderson said: “We have temporarily closed all our household waste recycling centres in line with national guidance and suspended our bulky uplift service to allow us to prioritise keeping our domestic and commercial waste collections running to protect public health.
"Therefore, we are asking for people to ensure that large items intended for disposal are stored safely until we can resume services.
“Reports from other parts of the country show there has been an increase fly-tipping since lockdown started. However, there is no marked increase in fly-tipping incidents reported across the Highland region.
"We want to thank everyone for acting responsibly in the way they are managing their waste during this difficult period. Having to deal with incidents of fly-tipping at this time would put added pressure on our limited resources.”
Dealing with litter and fly-tipping is costs around £53 million of public money in Scotland every year, and that is only in relation to public land.
Councillor Henderson added: “Before householders start a spring clean or a large DIY project, we are asking them to check they can store their waste safely at home until recycling centres reopen and charities begin to collect furniture and clothing again.”
The council is also warning people not to be taken in by offers of cheap disposal that are likely to lead to others fly-tipping the unwanted items.
Commercial waste carriers or brokers must apply for a permit to legally carry or dispose of waste. Keeping items on your own property for a few weeks is better than taking part in a criminal act that could have longer term consequences, not to mention a fine of up to £40,000, the council says.
Carron McDiarmid, executive chief officer for communities and place, said: “The public can help by acting as the eyes and ears of their local community so we urge anyone who notices fly-tipping to report it, so it can be dealt with.”
To report incidents of fly-tipping, contact Highland Council on 01349 886603.
