Flytippers cost Torfaen £30,000 a year (From South Wales Argus)

Flytippers cost Torfaen £30,000 a year

2:00pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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FLYTIPPERS blighting recycling bank sites in Torfaen are costing taxpayers nearly £30,000 a year in clean up costs.

Torfaen Council say ten tonnes of rubbish, including electrical goods, furniture and a garden shed, is being dumped at the recycling bank sites each month.

This is costing the council £2,400 a month to clean up.

On top of this abuse including arson and fly tipping has meant that banks for cardboard have been removed from several sites.

Head of Technical Services for the Council, Christina Harrhy said this was despite frequent emptying of banks and regular cleaning of the 19 sites.

She said: “Sadly a minority of people are abusing the sites which has meant that some facilities have already been withdrawn.”

The costs have now prompted the local authority to hold awareness days at some of the worst affected areas where information will be handed out to residents.

Free compost bins will also be given to the first 30 Torfaen residents who provide proof of their address.

A covert camera operation which has seen 18 fixed penalty notices issued to residents and businesses who dumped rubbish at the sites will continue.

Awareness days will be held between 11am and 3pm at Blaenavon's Riflemans car park on July 13 and 20, at Cwmbran Stadium on July 15 and 22 and at Fairwater Shops on July 17 and 24.

To report problems with recycling banks contact 01495 762200.

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