LOCK your wheelie bin-or risk a fine of €60 …that is the warning from City Hall to householders and traders. Those who breach a little known bye-law that requires bin lids to be fully closed to prevent waste falling out, will be monitored. Following disclosure of a case in Dublin where a resident whose open bin with a plastic bag protruding was photographed by the driver of a council collection service was fined, the Limerick Post sought clarification from Limerick City Council on the situation here.
It was confirmed that 235 fines were issued since June 2010.
“That fine is for breach of the Presentation of Waste bye-laws and we have been proactively enforcing them to reduce the amount of waste and litter that is generated by and around badly presented bins,” says a spokesperson.
Pointing out that passers by frequently deposit empty cans or takeaway cartons and wrappings in open bins, with the result that some of the overflowing litter spills onto the ground,” the spokesperson added:
“We are trying to encourage people to present their bins properly.
“The problem is mostly in the city centre and we are asking people to buy gravity locks – the fine of €60 is more about deterring people from such behaviour than for bringing in money.
“We are reminding people to get the right size wheelie bin or a lock”.
It was stated that badly presented bins with open or broken lids are being added to, and waste is hidden around them.
“There is an obligation to present waste in a bin that is not damaged and lids must be fully closed and where possible, the handles should point in the direction of the public road.
“Waste should not be presented for collection earlier than 8pm on the evening prior to collection, and the bin should not remain outside premises after the end of the day of collection.
“The occupier of the premises should not deposit waste on the footpath, pavement or roadway, and it is an offence to contravene any section of the bye-laws. The maximum fine is €1,500 on summary conviction.
Advertisements had been placed in the local media warning householders of the consequences of overfilled wheelie bins.
