Waste creators

WHY are the Government and local authorities putting the onus of waste disposal on the consumer?

I remember when a family of four had a metal dustbin that contained all rubbish — except garden waste, which was put on the compost heap — and was collected once a week.

Today, we have at least three large wheelie bins: for unrecyclable waste; recyclables; and garden waste. These are often filled to the brim and, if lucky, collected once a fortnight.

We accumulate this much waste because we have no option but to buy over-packaged goods. It’s not the consumer who should have to pay a fine if they mistakenly put the wrong item in a bin or it is overflowing. The Government should be chasing the manufacturers to insist they find more eco-friendly ways of packaging goods.

For too long they have dragged their feet or made excuses. Make the manufacturers accountable and fine them for the cost of disposing of their rubbish. I’m fed up with being dictated to and bearing the cost of sorting out the problem of waste.

BRIAN MARTIN, Tamworth, Staffs.