Fines to be issued for rubbish in Chester's Garden Quarter

New waste collection bags will allow £100 fixed penalty notices to be issued

20 February 2012

Enforcement action will be taken and fines issued in Chester’s Garden Quarter if rubbish is put out for collection on the wrong day.

As part of a unique scheme residents have received new waste collection bags that have printed on them a Section 46 Notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

It is possible, because of this, to serve a £100 fixed penalty notice to anyone whose waste is found in an entry on the wrong collection day. The figure is reduced to £75 if paid within seven days.

Councillor Lynn Riley, Executive Member for Community and Environment, said: “We really want all residents to be able to enjoy a clean and pleasant neighbourhood, knowing that the Council can – and will – act swiftly and effectively against anyone who deliberately defaces the locality with their rubbish.

“At present full bags of rubbish are put out on the wrong day for collection and the bags are frequently ripped open by scavengers.

“The contents are strewn across the area, creating an even worse mess that has a detrimental impact on the quality of the environment.

“The desired outcome of this initiative is for all residents to be able to enjoy clean streets and alleyways, and for no one to receive a fine.

“However enforcement action will be taken and if successful in the Garden Quarter, it may be implemented to other bag collection areas of the Borough.”

A working group comprising of local Councillor Bob Rudd, Councillor Jill Houlbrook, University of Chester, Chester Students Union and landlord representatives jointly want to improve the environmental quality of the area.

Councillor Rudd said: “As part of a pilot scheme bulk bins have been introduced in some entries to tackle the litter problem however they cannot be stored in all entries because of their size.

“All local residents have received leaflets, letters and calendars which further explain the collection system and when to put the bags out for collection and how to deal with bulky waste.

“In addition a robust enforcement process was developed and will be implemented over the coming weeks.

“I am sure the majority of residents will support this action, as the problem of refuse sacks spilling into alleyways and streets has gone on for too long, because of the inconsiderate actions of a few people.

”At present the Council pays weekly for and implements a ‘deep clean’ in some of the entries the day after rubbish should be collected.

“This cannot – and should not – continue.”