PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Gill Gardiner
Date of Issue: March 6th 2008
Contact numbers:
625 2738
07803 065578

Bin Enforcement Policy gets the go ahead

Wirral Borough Council's Environment Scrutiny Committee last night rejected attempts by Conservative Councillors to delay an enforcement policy against residents who deliberately contaminate recycling collections.

Cabinet member for the Environment Councillor Gill Gardiner welcomed the decision saying,

“This policy will only be used as a last resort. Households that try their best to recycle, or those who suffer from mild contamination from passers by or neighbours need not worry, and can contact Streetscene on 0151 606 2004 for advice on how to prevent contamination. Recycling participation officers are on hand to offer help and advice and lockable bins can be provided.

“This policy will only affect those households that make no attempt to recycle; those who deliberately and repeatedly fill their grey bin with non-recyclable rubbish, simply using it as another green bin.

“The Call Centre is getting more and more reports from residents concerned about other households not recycling. The vast majority of residents are using the system correctly and are justifiably angry that others are getting away with not doing their bit. The policy targets the small minority of people who are deliberately abusing the system.

“The estimated cost of diverting their recyclable waste to landfill is estimated at around £130,000 per year in Wirral. A price that we shouldn't have to pay.”

Scotching allegations and rumours about the enforcement policy Councillor Gardiner said,

“Under no circumstances will fines be issued on the spot, nor will they be issued for first offences, nor mild contamination.

“Rumours that this is a money making venture by the Council are completely unfounded. The amount of staff time required to build a case file and visit offending households will far outweigh any money that comes back to the Council from payment of fines. All income received from enforcement will be used to support ongoing awareness raising activity.”