Reminder that dumping garden waste is illegal
South Lanarkshire Council is reminding residents that dumping garden waste on private or council land is illegal.
With the summer creeping up and locals getting back out into their gardens, the local authority’s grounds team are flagging up to everyone that even soil and other garden waste such as grass and hedge cuttings being dumped on council land is classified as fly-tipping.
Councillor Robert Brown (Rutherglen South), the chair of the council’s community and enterprise resources committee, said: “Our grounds services team work hard to keep our area clean of all dumped litter and rubbish.
“Unfortunately, some people are unaware that not all garden waste is easily biodegradable.
“Dumping soil, turf and many other types of garden waste do not actually break down quickly, creating eyesores for local residents for long periods of time.
“So, we would urge everyone to use all the methods that the council provides for the safe and sensible ways of disposing of waste of all kinds.”
The food and garden waste bin (burgundy bin) can be used to dispose of grass and hedge clippings, plants and weeds, as well as leaves and untreated/ uncoloured bark and small branches. Soil is not permitted in these bins.
All of the council’s household waste and recycling centres accept green waste along with soil, and staff will assist locals on how to dispose of their soil waste.
The local authority is urging residents who witness fly-tipping or dumping of any kind to report it using its online form.
Penalties for illegal dumping of waste comes with fines from £200, as well as the potential for criminal charges and even a prison sentence for the worst offenders.
A statement on the local authority’s website said: “Fly-tipping can adversely affect communities as it can make streets and open spaces look neglected as well as attracting antisocial behaviour such as vandalism, fly-posting and litter.
“All of this contributes to the decline of an area and increases the fear of crime. It can affect trade, tourism and investment in that area.
“Any individual or business who flytips anything on council or private land is committing an offence and could face a fine of up to £40,000.”
More information on what the council are doing to combat litter and fly-tipping, advice on how to report the issue and details of how the council can help with community clean-up events are available via https://www. southlanarkshire.gov.uk/info/200233/ street_care_and_cleaning/344/flytipping