Information on Loughborough

FREE BULKY WASTE COLLECTIONS AIM TO REDUCE BOROUGH FLY TIPPING

Posted on 18/07/2007
Loughborough Newsdesk

fly tippingAS FLY tipping rates in Charnwood are reportedly at one of lowest they have been this year, Charnwood Borough Council is now introducing free bulky waste collection to further drive the enviro-crime down.

The announcement of the free bulky waste collections follows the release of the fly tipping figures this year; the first three months of 2007 show a reported 553 fly-tips and then a sharp decline between April and June to 380. Significantly, figures halved in June when compared to May.

Neil Greenhalgh, Head of Environmental Services, said: "We are very pleased that the figures are at their lowest and even happier that weve managed to act on all the reports to really clear-up the Borough. The Street Wardens have been out there speaking to residents about the enviro-crimes and this is one of the key reasons why the figures are so much lower.

Bulky Waste is defined as anything which cannot fit into a wheelie bin or recycling bag or box e.g. fridges, freezers, washing machines, cookers, sofas and TVs, and from now on the Borough Council will collect three items, a maximum three times a year, for free.

Cllr Mike Preston (Conservative, Queniborough), Cabinet Member for the Environment, added: "Weve listened to what residents said they wanted their Council tax to pay for and free bulky waste collection was a priority for many. With fly-tipping figures already on the down-turn, this should contribute even further to a greener Borough.

Anything over three collections will be charged at £15 (£7.50 for those in receipt of benefits) for every three items/individual pick-up.

To arrange for your collection, contact Charnwood Borough Council on (01509) 63 45 63.

Anthony Gimpel, Charnwood Borough Councils Conservation and Design Technician, said: "We are planning to install more plaques in Loughborough and other towns and villages in Charnwood.

"Wed like to hear of any suggestions of famous people and events which may be commemorated that will be a talking point and a lasting contribution to the heritage of the Borough.

Further Information:

Fly-tipping on your land

If you are a victim of fly-tipping, you should record as many details as possible and contact the relevant authority. Take photographs of the waste as you found it. Talk to your neighbours to see if they saw anyone or anything suspicious.

You will then need to decide how to deal with the waste that has been dumped on your land and, unfortunately, pay for the cost of disposal. It is unlikely that your local authority or the Environment Agency will clear the waste for you although they may provide other assistance or advice.

What to do if you come across fly-tipping

 

Before you take action, make sure its safe to do so. Be extremely careful. Some wastes can be hazardous. Do not open bags or drums. Piles of soil may be contaminated or they may be hiding dangerous material. Remember that fly-tippers are doing something illegal " they are unlikely to welcome people observing them or taking notes or photographs.