A BinSpector Calls

A BinSpector Calls

Householders in Telford are undergoing inspections from enforcement officers who have been opening up their wheelie bins and inspecting rubbish for contaminated recycling waste. The officers are targeting 10 streets in the area as part of a 4-week project to clean up areas where there are particular problems with bin contamination and fly tipping. Warnings have been given to residents who have been told they will be fined up to £400 unless improvements are made.

Why have the council taken this step?

The council wants to encourage people to take pride in their local community and to get rid of litter and dog waste.

40 enforcement officers were trained as part of the council’s crackdown on waste. They identified areas that has the highest number of reports of litter and fly tipping and these areas will be the main focus of the crackdown.

Possible punishments

The inspectors can hand out warning letters to residents, and fixed penalties of £80 for contaminating waste. Fines of up to £400 can be given for fly tipping offences, and offenders can even end up in court.

The inspectors were joined by the fire service, the police, and the private recycling collector, Veolia, to send out the message that fly tipping, littering, and improper use of bins will not be tolerated.

The results

The council sent out letters to residents and gave out information on correct recycling and waste disposal, and they said they were happy with the results when they carried out their inspection. There was only 1 incident of domestic waste being put in a recycling bin and one fly-tipping incident.

Just a handful of households received a warning letter and nobody has received a fixed penalty notice as yet.

The constant search for evidence

The inspectors take steps to find out who the rubbish belongs to as well in cases of fly tipping. In one case, an offender was identified by the details on a pizza box. The inspectors speak to the people in question, remind them about what they can and can’t put in their bins, and issue a warning letter. A fixed penalty can be given if steps aren’t taken to rectify the situation.

The fly tipping fire risk

The fire service has welcomed the campaign to clean up the streets as they say that fly tipping can pose a real fire risk, and a risk to lives if fires are started close to properties.