Coronavirus – Think of others, don't burn your waste
Residents across the borough are being asked to think of others and to not burn waste during the current Coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
Our Environmental Health team, which is responsible for pollution control in the borough, has received an increased number of complaints about fires in gardens since the lockdown began last month.
The effects of such fires at this time are likely to be much more serious and have a bigger impact. The Coronavirus is known to cause serious respiratory problems, which could be made much worse if the sufferer is exposed to smoke from bonfires.
It is important to be especially considerate at this time, when people are confined to their home and unable to escape unpleasant fumes. Bonfires can also become out of control or cause accidents, creating extra pressure on the already busy emergency services.
Councillor Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said: “We understand that the closure of the Household Recycling Centres may create a storage issue for some residents. Our recycling and green collection services are operating as normal at the moment so please continue to use your waste and recycling containers until they are full and think of others.
“Compost your garden waste where possible, and stack or bag up additional green and recycling waste, rather than burn it. We also request that allotment holders dispose of green waste from their plot by composting as much as possible and avoid bonfires.
“If you are experiencing problems with neighbours having bonfires during this time please report it to us.
“The Council will take enforcement action against any persistent offenders where fires cause an impact on neighbours.”
More information on home composting can be found here.
If you are experiencing problems with neighbours having bonfires during this time please report the problem online.
Please keep checking facebook and twitter for the latest waste collection updates. If collection services are operational and your collection has been missed, please report this here and the crew will return to collect.
