Blue bin contamination costing ratepayers thousands

by Gráinne Connolly

Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) have issued a stark warning over blue bin contamination. 

The council have said that the likes of nappies, food waste and plastic bags are costing local ratepayers thousands of pounds because they're not being put in the right bin. 

As a result of this, waste disposal costs have increased, which the council also says, is having a "knock on effect" on its ability to keep rates levels down and protect and enhance other vital services. 

DCSDC Waste Services Officer, Nicola McCool said: 

"Blue bin contamination has become a serious problem. 

"When our blue bin contents are tipped out at the recycling facility, you can see how nappies, plastic bags, food waste and general rubbish are contaminating the entire contents - which has the knock on effect of creating extra costs for general waste disposal. 

"I would therefore urge householders to be aware of what they put in their blue 'dry recyling' bins - as contamination is significantly increasing the costs to Council."

Ms McCool went on to express how simple measures such as recycling more and correctly can save ratepayers money, however she says every household needs to play their part. 

The council's waste services officer says the following can be recycled in the blue 'dry recycling' bin: 

• glass
   
• paper
   
• food
   
• drink cans
   
• plastic bottles
   
• cardboard
   
• food and drink cartons. 

Items that can't be recycled but often are put in the blue bins: 

• nappies
   
• black bin bags
   
• general food waste

If items that can't be recycled are put in the blue bin, they contaminate the rest of the recyclable materials they come in contact with. 

While contamination has been a problem, Ms McCool said the majority of people in the area were good at recycling:

"Recycling is a win-win situation for all and we really appreciate that the majority of householders are committed to getting it right. 

"I would also like to stress that most residents have been excellent recyclers. 

"Indeed, some areas are doing particularly well - with the most recent reported figures for Janurary to March 2017 having a recycling rate of 39.3%. 

"However, other areas are not performing as well.

"It is important to recognise that more can be done to reduce waste disposal costs. 

"We want to remind people that with their cooperation and by making a few simple changes to how they dispose of their waste, Council can significantly reduce the amount of it going to landfill."