Bins roll-out blamed for giant pile of glass bottles

TESCO is reviewing its recycling collection schedule after stacks of glass bottles were dumped outside bins.

The Tele was contacted by Strathmartine resident Christine Brady who was greeted with the view of a sea of empty bottles at the superstore’s recycling centre at the Kingsway West Retail Park.

She blamed the council’s new bin roll-out scheme for the mess, while Strathmartine councillor Kevin Keenan said he was worried that vandals may smash the glass which could cause Tesco to stop providing the service.

Christine said she felt the issue was triggered after being told to start taking her glass to a bottle bank.

She added: “I feel it’s been exacerbated by our bin system changing and the council isn’t prepared enough.

“So, now the refuse collectors are going to have to pick up this mess.

“The other problem I had was with oversized cardboard that wouldn’t fit into my bin. I took it to the Tesco site but was unable to open the lid fully to use both of my hands to pick up the cardboard.

“I’m not going to grow any more so I hope the council can do something about petite people opening the lids more easily.”

A spokesman for Tesco said: “We have seen an increased volume of recycling deposited by customers at the recycling facilities at our Dundee Extra Store.

“We arranged for the next scheduled recycling collection to be brought forward and are reviewing our recycling collection schedule in light of the increased volumes we have seen.”

Mr Keenan said he had concerns about the matter, adding: “I think if bottles are stacking up outside the bins then there’s a real issue.

“If Tesco staff were to find that someone had smashed all the bottles in the car park and they were having to clean it up then they and, indeed other superstores who are having to do the same, may not want to provide that service anymore.

“I think the council needs to review its strategy, especially with its communication in this new roll-out. I’ve had so many complaints of how long it is taking for residents who have concerns about the new recycling scheme.”

A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “We’re aware of the situation and are taking the appropriate action.”