No more rubbish! Council gets tough on fly-tippers

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 06/05/2009

Rochdale Borough Council has threatened tougher action on fly-tipping after cleaning up piles of waste from Heights Lane.

Overflowing bins and bags of rubbish have built up on the roadside for weeks, according to an aggrieved resident, who contacted Rochdale Online News this morning (Wednesday 6 May).

After an enquiry to the council, the mess has now been cleared free of charge, but a warning has been issued that next time, fixed penalty notices will be issued.

Kevin Goodridge, waste collection supervisor at Rochdale Borough Council’s environmental management service, said: “The photo evidence clearly shows bins with their lids raised and rubbish left at the side.

“The council’s policy is not to collect bins with their lids raised or side waste due to significant health and safety risks.

“Sharp objects are often insufficiently wrapped, and the council has a duty to protect its refuse collection crews.

“On this occasion, this site has now been cleared of rubbish free of charge, but we will charge if this is repeated and the council is asked to carry out a clean up. The next form of proceedings may be enforcement and fixed penalty notices.”

To find out more about recycling and how to best manage your waste refer to your refuse and recycling collection calendars.

Alternatively, call 0845 226 1800 or visit:

• www.rochdale.gov.uk/recycling

The borough’s household waste disposal sites are located at: 

• Chichester Street, Rochdale. Telephone 01706 643871
• Springvale, Middleton. Telephone 0161 653 5271
• Peel Lane, Heywood. Telephone 01706 364956