Neath Port Talbot Council is asking residents not to be tempted to burn waste during the coronavirus emergency as environmental health enforcement and monitoring are still in place.
The council is requesting that garden waste or other materials are not burnt during the current lockdown. Instead, residents are being asked to store the material safely at home.
The council’s Environmental Health Department does not consider it appropriate to burn waste. Furthermore, it is illegal to burn commercial waste.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection, Cllr Leanne Jones, said:
“We’re asking people to support their neighbours by not burning waste while the coronavirus outbreak continues.
“There are many vulnerable individuals in the community with underlying health conditions; including those with respiratory conditions. Smoke is an irritant for these people and exposure to it may result in breathing difficulties. Clearly this will increase pressure on the NHS, which must be avoided.”
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 curbside collection, they must store it on their property until alternative disposal arrangements can be made.
Residents and businesses must not dispose of waste by burning.
The council’s Environmental Health service continue to investigate all complaints about bonfires and legal action will be taken where necessary.
Complaints can be reported here: https://appsportal2.npt.gov.uk/ords/live6/f?p=244:1
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