Public to help spot fly-tipping
The public is being urged to deal with their rubbish responsibly as reports of fly-tipping in the region increase.
The issue has come into sharp focus during the current pandemic, with waste and recycling centres being closed by councils across the country in the name of public safety and to allow the collection of general refuse to be the priority.
But that has caused some to find illegal ways of getting rid of their items and has prompted a call for the general public to help out council teams in spotting fly tipping sites as part of their clear-up efforts.
Convener of the council’s environment and housing committee, Councillor Jim Thomson, said: “Since lockdown, we have seen a slight increase in fly-tipping in the area and this is something that council officers have been effective in picking up on – and the public are key in highlighting issues where they see them.
“Over the next few days, council officers will be discussing with Scottish Government officials about the feasibility of re-opening refuse and recycling centres – however I am clear that this must be done with the safety of staff and the public at the forefront.”
The issue of re-opening waste centres and the prioritisation of services is set to form part of discussions between the Scottish Government and the employers’ association for Scotland’s 32 councils COSLA.
But while those discussions continue, anyone spotting someone dumping rubbish illegally is being urged to report them to the ‘Dumb Dumpers’ website.
The call for increased vigilance around fly-tipping was also echoed by Stirling’s parliamentarians.
MP Alyn Smith said: “While these workers do their best for us, it’s important that we continue to do what we can to help them by pitching in to crack down on illegal fly tippers in the Stirling area.
“Now more than ever, we also have to responsibility for managing our waste during this period – that means keeping larger items at home until the centres re-open.”
Meanwhile, MSP Bruce Crawford added: “This is a difficult time for all of us, but we owe a huge thank you to those in the waste industry who are working to keep as many services running as possible.
“The safety of these workers and the general public has to be the priority, and councils also need to consider staffing shortages and physical distancing before our local recycling centres can re-open.”