Highland Council thanks communities for responsible waste actions during coronavirus pandemic; 'Don't be taken in by offers of cheap disposal' plea on fly-tipping
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
While recycling centres are temporarily closed during the Covid-19 outbreak, together with the suspension of Highland Council's bulky uplift service, the authority is reminding the public to safely store their items until services resume.
Councillor Allan Henderson, the chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, 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 in fly-tipping since lockdown started, however, there is no marked increase in 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 costs an eye watering £53 million of public money in Scotland every year, and that is only in relation to public land – this money could be better spent elsewhere, particularly at this time, he noted.
Cllr Henderson said: “Before householders start a spring clean or large DIY project, we are asking them to check they can store their waste safely at home until recycling centres re-open 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 is likely to lead to others fly-tipping the items. Commercial waste carriers or brokers must apply for a permit to legally carry or dispose of waste.
Residents are advised that keeping items on their own property for a few weeks is a better option than taking part in a criminal act that could have longer term consequences, including a fine of up to £40,000.
Carron McDiarmid, the council's 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 the council on 01349 886603.
