Health fears as rubbish piles up in East Dunbartonshire

East Dunbartonshire 
Council (EDC) has been operating waste services at a 
reduced level to protect their staff.

But some residents have been dumping garden refuse at local beauty spots, including Kilmardinny Loch at Bearsden, fly-tipping at the former McGavigan’s siite at Woodilee, Lenzie and leaving rubbish at already full recycling sites throughout the area.

One concerned resident said: “If rubbish is left to build up – remember we are talking a minimum of three months – then the risks of an increase in vermin such as rats is raised substantially and the risk of bacterial disease will increase dramatically, too.

“I fully understand the need to protect council staff. However, I fear that by trying to prevent one problem they are creating another”.

Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive at EDC said: “The Council is mindful of concerns about changes to our waste collections. However, our priority remains the health and wellbeing of our frontline staff and residents.

“The waste service is operating at reduced levels and, in order to prioritise resources to the general waste collection, other services have temporarily been suspended.

“Residents have been issued with guidance on what to do during this period with the Council advising people not to place recycling in their general waste bins but to try and store their excess dry paper, cardboard and washed plastic and glass recycling in bags in a shed, garage or available bin stores until normal service resumes.

“Food waste can also be wrapped in newspaper or plastic bags before putting into your grey bin. We would remind residents that the government’s guidance on social distancing is people should avoid travelling unless it is essential.

“Essential travel does not include visits to our recycling centres. We would ask residents not to fly tip or dump rubbish at any of our sites as this puts pressure on communities and services that are already at risk.

“We appreciate residents’ understanding during these extremely challenging times as we seek to balance the maintenance of essential services with the need to protect our employees and meet government and NHS guidelines on social distancing.”