SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Dog bins should NOT be used for dog mess from home

PEOPLE are being asked NOT to dispose of dog mess collected from their gardens in dog bins at parks and open spaces around South Somerset.

Many bins have been found with bags containing large amounts dog waste in them, which have been collected from gardens and then brought to dispose of in the bins. Some bags are so large that they won’t fit in the bins and have been left underneath or next to the bin.

South Somerset District Council has said that this is having an adverse effect on the emptying rounds as the vehicle can only carry a certain weight and once this has been reached, the operative has to go to the waste disposal facility to tip it, which can mean a round trip of up to two hours.

This could mean that some bins may not be emptied every week due to time taken up traveling to and from the waste disposal facility.

Council enforcement officer, Lyndsey Williams, said: “We would like to make people aware that dog waste from people’s gardens can be disposed of with their normal household waste.

“Should anyone see someone disposing of large amounts of dog waste which have clearly been taken from their garden, please make them aware of the adverse effects, or alternatively, report it to the council on 01935-462462.”

Leaving bags of dog waste under or next to a dog bin could be classed as fly-tipping and therefore lead to the offender being prosecuted which could incur a fine of up to £50,000.

District council environment spokesman, Cllr Jo Roundell Greene, said: “This has become an increasing problem for Streetscene Services over the past couple of months.

“We are keen to stop this practice by some dog owners now, before it becomes a major problem.

“The bins provided are for dog waste collected whilst walking dogs not from your home. So please – dispose of dog waste from home at home, not in our beautiful parks and open spaces.”

Tags:
News.