Calls for waste service overhaul
Fly-tipping will remain a ‘huge problem’ in Sunderland until city bosses overhaul waste services, opposition councillors have claimed.
The latest figures have shown a rise in the number of reports of illegally dumped rubbish across Wear side since the start of the coronavirus lockdown.
And while disruptions to collections or reduced access to tips may be partly to blame, some have pointed the finger at the cost of making sure refuse is disposed of properly.
“Given the circumstances, the bulky waste charge should also be scrapped altogether,” said Coun Niall Hods on, leaderof Sunderland City Council’ s Liberal Democrat opposition group.
“The council needs to realise that lots of people still can’t get to the tip, either because they don’ t have a car or because they can’t get a slot.
“Many more can’t afford to pay for a collection for things that won’t fit in a wheelie bin.
“Until ruling councillors recognise this and take action, I fear fly-tipping will continue to be a huge problem.”
In 2019 national data identified Sunderland as one of the worst places in the country for fly-tipping.
But according to figures from the city council, reports fell in the first four months of 2020, down to 2,994, compared to 3,009 in 2020.
Coun Hods on claimed families using lock down for‘ decorating, gardening and having a clear out’ had been left with nowhere else to get rid of waste, with tips closed and bulky waste services suspended.
Coun Michael Mordey, the deputy leader of the council, hit back, pointing to spending plans approved earlier this year which slashed bulky waste collection charges from £22.50 to £10.
He said: “This is very good value and it means you do not have the risk of a white van waste carrier who then goes onto fly-tip your bulky items.
“It’s also worth pointing out that Coun Hodson and the Liberal Democrat group voted against our proposal to reduce the cost of the bulky waste collection to £10. If they had their way at the budget meeting the cost would still be £22.50.
“Residents are responsible for disposing of their waste legally and, if a waste carrier goes fly-tipping, there can be penalties from the courts .”
Sunderland’s Conservative group has called for anyonecaughtfly-tippingtobehit with the ‘maximum possible punishment’.