The new waste recycling system for Dumfries and Galloway has been rolling out over the last two months, with new red and blue-lidded bins being delivered to households daily.
But as the region’s bin population trebles, concerns have been raised about the sheer volume of the collection receptacles on certain streets.
Moffat man Roy Anderton-Tyers this week said: “It would seem likely that Moffat will sink under the weight of the new bins, as the promised communal bins are not appearing.
“Our little, narrow Buccleuch Street has ten dwellings – all without front gardens and some without rear gardens – peopled with pensioners that are unable to take bins into their houses; consequently bins are positioned at the ends of the street.
“Ten bins + 20 recycling bins = 30 bins in this tiny street . . . this is absurd and communal bins are essential.”
He has called on the local authority to ‘intervene’ and ensure that communal bins are supplied where it makes sense.
And he pointed out that in literature proffered by Dumfries and Galloway Council, it promotes that communal bins ‘occupy a smaller footprint’ and require ‘single action emptying’.
Mr Anderton-Tyers added: “It is also important to point out that this is a tourist town.
“The implications of this are twofold – vast assemblies of bins are unsightly, but they are also pointless for many holiday cottages that lie empty for a high proportion of the year . . . producing little or no waste material at all.
“A commonsense approach to providing communal bins for all waste and recycling would improve the visual impact and reduce clutter that already exists. I look forward to some constructive actions.”
And his concerns have been taken on board by Annandale North Ward councillor Stephen Thompson, who has explained that the local authority’s waste collection service would need to check with any household affected if a communal bin was to be brought in.
He added: “They may also be able to offer mini-bins or bags depending on each resident’s needs.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council was contacted for comment.
