Residents asked not to leave donations outside clothing banks during coronavirus outbreak

Residents in Neath Port Talbot are being asked not to leave donations outside charity shops and clothing banks during the coronavirus outbreak.

Charity shops are currently closed and charity bins such as textile banks are not being serviced, so Neath Port Talbot Council is respectfully asking residents not to take any donations to them at this time or leave material outside or alongside collection banks as this is fly tipping. While it is important to encourage the recycling, we need people to keep these items in their homes until normal services resume.

The council’s waste enforcement officers are currently checking all instances of fly tipping across the County Borough for evidence. Those responsible may not hear from enforcement officers immediately but all evidence is being retained and will be followed through at a later date.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Engineering, Cllr Ted Latham, said:

“We understand many residents are taking this time of movement restrictions to tidy their sheds, garages and attics etc. However you still need to ensure any waste is disposed of legally.

“Where possible our advice is that you retain this waste until things return to normal.

“However if you do use a company to dispose of your waste, make sure the company is a licenced waste carrier and provides you with appropriate paperwork.  In addition, make a note of their vehicle number plate and keep it safe.”

Although Household Waste Recycling Centres are closed, regular recycling and waste collection services are continuing to operate. If people have waste material that is not suitable for kerbside collection, they must store it on their property until alternative disposal arrangements can be made.

Complaints can be reported on the council’s website: www.npt.gov.uk