Closure of tips has seen a rise in fly-tipping

Fly-tippers have been warned about fines.

The closure of community recycling centres (CRCs) sites has brought a spate of fly-tipping from residents who arrive to find the gates locked.

And there have been new warnings from West Lothian Council that it will pursue fly-tippers and prosecute, with those convicted facing a £200 fine.

The council took the decision to close the CRC sites temporarily in order to prioritise staffing on maintaining street collections.

Fly tipping is becoming a problem. Picture: Lisa Ferguson/JPIMedia

A West Lothian Council spokesman said: “While this is a challenging set of circumstances for everyone it is still no excuse for any member of the public to illegally dispose of their waste. There have been a small number of instances where rubbish has been inappropriately left beside glass bottle banks and near sites such as crematoriums and cemeteries.

“Fly-tipping of any nature is illegal and comes with a potential penalty fine of £200. If you have items that you would normally dispose of at recycling centres, please store them securely until the service is able to resume. If anyone comes across fly-tipping, please report this by visiting the West Lothian Council website.”

Street cleansing operations were also suspended though the council has responded to complaints by reallocating staff to maintain bins. It has also called on the public to do more.

A council spokesman said: “Our street cleansing operations are suspended as the majority of the team are now working on household waste collections.

However we have been receiving enquires and we’re aware that public bins are filling up, particularly dog bins.”

Team members who are not able to work on the Collection service were out from Monday to empty public bins regularly.

Customers do not need to report full bins via the council’s contact centre or online.

Writing on social media the council said: “This obviously has an impact on the work that the street cleansing team would normally carry out so we need your help, particularly from dog owners.

Please ensure that you pick up your dog poo.

“Obviously more people are out walking at the moment and we have had enquiries and comments about the amount of dog poo on paths. We do have some members of the street cleansing team out emptying public bins regularly but they can’t continue to offer the same level of service at this time so we are appealing to dog walkers to pick up the mess and dispose of it in their own household landfill bin.

“The same applies to all litter bugs. Help protect your community and play your part. Please take your litter home with you.”

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