'No Excuse' For Surge in Flytipping in Hounslow Borough
Council say dumping of rubbish adding to the workload of key workers
Flytipping on the increase in the local area
Hounslow Council have warned there is “no excuse” for dumping waste as reports of fly-tipping have hiked over the last few days.
Recycling and rubbish collections are continuing across Hounslow despite the coronavirus lockdown, while the Space Waye re-use and recycling centre is closed until further notice.
Extra dumped rubbish on the streets however is adding to the burden of key workers, according to the Council.
Cllr Guy Lambert, who has responsibility for highways and recycling in the borough, said, “The vast majority of our residents do the right thing, but in the past 48 hours there has been a reported increase in fly tipping across the borough.
“Dumping waste is a criminal offence, could result in a fine, causes a mess on our streets and puts added strain on our essential service providers and key workers – the men and women who work hard to keep our streets clean.”
In 2019, Hounslow Council handed out 4,803 fines for fly-tipping and littering, and civic chiefs said enforcement teams are continuing to investigate such crimes.
“There simply is no excuse for dumping waste, particularly as the collection of waste and recycling remains a priority for the council and we are continuing with all collections as normal,” Cllr Lambert added.
“Our aim is to do everything we can to keep the streets clean, keep collecting your rubbish and make sure your recycling boxes/bins continue to be emptied, while protecting the health of our workers and residents.
“As most of us are now staying at home, it is natural that this will create more household waste and put pressure on our recycling and waste services – a bit like an extended Christmas.”
People are being urged not to get rid of waste on a bonfire because of the impact on air pollution and of smoke spreading to neighbouring homes or anyone who could be impacted by coronavirus.
And residents are also asked to avoid doing any big clear-outs at this time to prevent large amounts of waste being created.
However residents with larger items which cannot be stored safely are advised to use the council’s Bulky Waste collection service which continues to run as normal.
Anahita Hossein-Pour - Local Democracy Reporter
April 20, 2020