Selfish fly-tippers in East Dunbartonshire are warned they will be charged

Bags full of household waste have been dumped at local sites, including at Lenzie Golf Club grounds, while others have been tossed into the local countryside.

The increase in DIY during lockdown has seen large items of old furniture discarded in local woods and people have also taken to burning grass and tree cuttings.

Now East Dunbartonshire Council, in partnership with police and fire services are alerting people to the hazards with the warning that they may be charged with an offence.

As the weather has been so dry, fly-tipping and bonfires have been diverting fire crews and police officers attending other emergencies in the area.

A month ago, bin uplifts moved to emergency only with only general waste collected to protect workers during the pandemic but recyling uplifts are now being gradually phased back in.

Residents have been asked, where possible, to start a compost heap for garden waste whilst collections are interrupted.

Smoke from garden bonfires can have serious health implications for neighbouring residents suffering from asthma or respiratory conditions and contribute to local air pollution levels.

Council boss Thomas Glen said: “These are challenging times and the Council is balancing the maintenance of essential waste services with the need to protect our employees and meet government and NHS guidelines on physical distancing.

“We are urging residents to work with us during this unprecedented situation.”

Police Chief Inspector Lorna Gibson, Area Commander East Dunbartonshire, said: “The burning of garden waste is not only anti-social but can have very dangerous consequences. Once lit, fire can be very unpredictable and can spread quickly, particularly during this dry weather.

“If the garden waste is positioned close to fences or buildings they could easily catch fire, potentially causing damage to property or injury to persons.

“If damage is caused to another person’s property or causes injury and the fire has been deliberately lit you may be charged. I urge anyone thinking about burning garden waste to consider the consequences carefully before doing so.”

Local Senior Fiore Officer Andy Watt, said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service would recommend you avoid lighting a bonfire to dispose of garden waste or other items. With bin uplift services in many areas limited during the coronavirus, you may be considering burning refuse. This can often be very unsafe in terms of the risk of fire spread, inconvenience to neighbours, damage to the environment and could unnecessarily draw upon and divert fire service resources from lifesaving work.

“Some simple measures can help protect you, your family, your property and those around you from the potentially devastating consequences of a fire at this time.

“SFRS is issuing safety advice across the country as more and more people adhere to the UK-wide guidance to stay at home. Please visit SFRS - Reduction in Refuse Collections, for advice.”