Bin abusers to be prosecuted

Powys County Council will continue to assist householders in getting used to the new fortnightly rubbish collections, but says its patience is running out.

Last week we reported how some households were still putting out bags of rubbish weekly, with some ravaged by animals and leaving rubbish strewn across residential areas.

Following that story, there have been more reports of residents abusing the system and while the council says it has taken time to bed in, enforcement could be the next measure.

A spokesperson told us: “All householders are respectfully reminded that they have a responsibility for any waste they generate, as fly tipping and littering is a considerable drain on public funds.

“Failure to comply with the new refuse and recycling scheme may result in prosecutions under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If a resident is found guilty of an offence, a court could impose a maximum fine of £1,000.”

The new fortnightly collection for general waste was introduced to encourage more people to recycle, with that waste still collected weekly. Powys has a huge fine hanging over it unless its percentage of waste recycled improves and planners claim the new system is already making a difference.

Over Christmas there will be mountains of waste and the council has issued its collection details which may change for some.

USUAL COLLECTION DATE:          REVISED COLLECTION DATE:
Monday 24th December 2012       As normal – no change
Tuesday 25th December 2012      Thursday 27th December 2012
Wednesday 26th December 2012    Friday 28th December 2012
Thursday 27th December 2012     Saturday 29th December 2012
Friday 28th December 2012       Sunday 30th December 2012
Monday 31st December 2012       As normal – no change
Tuesday 1st January 2013        Wednesday 2nd January 2013
Wednesday 2nd January 2013      Thursday 3rd January 2013
Thursday 3rd January 2013       Friday 4th January 2013
Friday 4th January 2013         Saturday 5th January 2013

All recycling and rubbish kerbside collections will return to the normal day from Monday, January 7.

In areas where kerbside recycling collections have been introduced and wheeled bins are emptied (or purple sacks are collected) every two weeks your week will not change.

You can find out how to recycle more at home this Christmas by visiting www.powys.gov.uk/recycle  or www.wasteawarenesswales.org.uk