Residents fined for refuse offences

THREE Llanelli residents have each been fined £100 for failing to comply with the council’s kerbside recycling scheme.

Two of the residents had persistently been putting the incorrect bags out on the wrong week.

The other resident had continually been putting the wrong items in their blue recycling bags.

All the residents had been issued with notices under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 by the council’s environmental enforcement officers. However, they continued to breach the notices and as a result were fined £100.

The fines were issued to residents in the New Dock Road, Hick Street and Catherine Street areas.

It is now hoped these fines will act as a warning to other residents.

Director of Technical Services Richard workman said: “It is important people put the correct bags out on the correct weeks otherwise they will be left behind. This potentially could lead to the bags being split open by animals and the contents strewn across the street.

“It is also vitally important that we recycle as much of our waste as possible. If a resident continually ignores the council’s advice and repeated warnings it has no choice but to issue a fine.”

The council’s green bin/blue bag scheme has been a big success with the county now recycling/composting almost 45 per cent of its rubbish according to latest figures. However, more needs to be done if we are to meet future targets set by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Executive board member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “The council is committed to boosting recycling rates in Carmarthenshire but we can’t do it on our own, we need residents to do their bit. This is why we need people to put their bags out on the right week and with the correct items in them.

“If residents are unsure of what goes in their blue bags or their green bins then please get in touch and our officers will be more than happy to advise them. We don’t want to fine people, we want to help them as best we can.”

For further information on what can and can’t go in your blue bag or green bin visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.