Common sense
Flytipping dangers are highlighted
Householders in Rutherglen have received a visit from firefighters and council staff who’ll be talking Common Sense about rubbish and fly tipping.
Dumping junk and fly-tipping in common areas and closes can be a fire risk, creates a health hazard and is unsightly.
Common Sense - a joint initiative with South Lanarkshire Council, Police Scotland and Scotish Fire and Rescue - aims to raise awareness of these problems and urge residents to take sensible steps to improve our communities.
This includes the distribution of labels to let people identify their own wheelie bins and also posters with information on fire prevention and how to dispose of rubbish safely.
Householders are encouraged to dispose of rubbish correctly by ensuring bins are taken out and brought back in on collection days and keep common areas in blocks of flats clear, including bin stores and drying areas.
Incorrectly discarded or stored rubbish can easily be set on fire, putting lives and property at risk.
Anyone who notices rubbish building up in their area should report it to the council on 0303 123 1015 or complete an online reporting form at www.southlanarkshire. gov.uk by searching for ‘fly-tipping’.
If you see somebody fly-tipping, report it anonymously to ‘Dumb Dumpers’ on 08452 30 40 90 or call the Customer Service Centre on 0303 123 1015.
CCTV is in use and council staff are on patrol to catch those responsible for flytipping.
South Lanarkshire Council takes enforcement action against anyone found responsible for fly-tipping, and this can include a fixed penalty notice of £200.
Representatives from the council and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be visiting selected streets this month to speak to residents in their homes and offer advice on waste disposal, and how to reduce the risk of fires involving refuse, rubbish and fly-tipping, which can put pressure on local fire crews, taking them away from other incidents and can put lives at risk.
The initial visits will take place around Lochaber Drive and Ross Place in Rutherglen.
Every household is entitled to one free ‘special uplift’ for bulky items each year (between April and March). You can request the uplift by calling 0303 123 1020 or complete the online form at www. southlanarkshire.gov.uk, by searching for ‘special (bulky) uplifts.’
You can also take items to waste and recycling centres located across South Lanarkshire.