Garden rubbish in the street ‘is a fire risk’
Mountains of cuttings and foliage are being left in the street
COUNCIL leaders have called on residents and gardening companies not to dump cuttings and foliage in the street due to the danger it represents.
Large amounts of green waste are being left next to rubbish deposits and containers in parts of Pilar de la Horadada, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and other towns in Alicante province. Pilar council asked homeowners in Pinar de Campoverde, Torre de la Horadada and Mil Palmeras to refrain from the practice without prior notice, citing the risk of fire and vermin infestations.
Local councillor for the environment Pedro Miguel Moya told Costa Blanca News that they are only allowed to desposit up to one cubic metre of garden waste but they have to call the collection service on 96 676 66 26 and tell them the location; or take the foliage to the household waste recycling centre at Cañada de Praes.
“The build-up of garden waste is a big problem in Pinar de Campoverde and the seaside villages,” he said. “Gardening companies must take it to specific treatment plants. They cannot leave such bulky waste on the streets.”
Sr Moya noted that pine trees are protected flora and specific authorisation must be obtained to prune them or cut them down in Pinar de Campoverde.
According to the council, garden waste is collected on Mondays in Torre de la Horadada, El Mojón, RioMar and Mil Palmeras; Wednesdays in Pinar de Campoverde; and Fridays in Pilar de la Horadada town, but the service needs to be planned so the residents have to report where they are leaving the waste.
In the last two weeks several small blazes have occurred in the municipality when garden cuttings have caught fire. These were quickly put out by the Protección Civil service.
Councillor Moya highlighted that burning garden waste is banned.
Similar problems have occurred in Torrevieja where garden waste is building up at some locations.
This is particularly evident on Avenida Baracaldo in San Luis, where a large amount of garden waste and other rubbish has been dumped next to the green waste skip.
Residents have urged the council to police the situation better to catch the gardening companies which frequently dump foliage and other detritus next to these containers.
Orihuela Costa residents have also complained in recent months of the anti-social behaviour of some residents who leave all sorts of rubbish next to bins – and also the poor collection service which is being provided by the council.