Belfast waste disposal guidelines updated for bin collections

A new bin tagging system has been rolled out across Belfast to encourage more recycling, support cleaner streets and keep waste collection crews safe at work.

From week commencing Monday 4 August, if a bin does not close fully, or bins are lined with plastic liners which can snag on the lorry’s lifting mechanism, they will receive a warning. The city-wide scheme is being introduced on a phased basis to give householders time to get used to binning their rubbish without any risk to workers or the environment.

Councillor Ruth Brooks, Chair of Belfast City Council's People and Communities Committee said: "This is an updated bin policy that has been coming through our committee for some time.

"It relates to bins that are overfilled, bins that are contaminated, or some bins that have a bin liner in them.

"Unfortunately, there have been some incidents involving these from a health and safety perspective.

"Any of the bins that are presented in a poor manner will be amber tagged.

"That is just a warning that we will accept your bin today but in future, we will not."

Householders have until the end of September to get used to the new rules.

Bins which are persistently overflowing or lined will eventually receive a red tag, and red tagged bins will not be emptied.

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