Don't dump sheds at recycling sites (From Free Press Series)

Don't dump sheds at recycling sites

11:00am Thursday 9th July 2009

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FLYTIPPING at recycling sites in Torfaen costs taxpayers nearly £30,000 a year in clean-up costs.

Torfaen Council say 10 tonnes of rubbish are dumped at the recycling bank sites each month. This costs the council £2,400 a month to clean up.

Items found include electrical goods, furniture and even a garden shed. On top of this, instances of arson meant banks for cardboard have been removed from several sites.

Head of technical services for the council, Christina Harrhy said this was despite frequent emptying of banks and regular cleaning of the 19 sites.

She said: “Sadly a minority of people are abusing the sites which has meant that some facilities have already been withdrawn.”

The costs have now prompted the local authority to hold awareness days at some of the worst affected areas where information will be handed out to residents. Free compost bins will also be given to the first 30 Torfaen residents who provide proof of their address.

A covert camera operation which has seen 18 fixed penalty notices issued to residents and businesses who dumped rubbish at the sites will continue.

Awareness days will be held this month between 11am and 3pm at Blaenavon's Riflemans car park on Monday, July 13 and Monday, July 20; at Cwmbran Stadium on Wednesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 22; and at Fairwater Shops on Friday, July 17 and Friday, July, 24.

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