‘Bring in your bins or we’ll take them away!’ That’s the stern warning to residents across Darlington as a campaign to clean up the borough’s back lanes continues.
Launched by Darlington Borough Council last year, the initiative has seen council staff and residents working closely together to tackle litter and rubbish, deliberate fires and fly tipping in the borough’s back lanes.
A pilot scheme in two streets in the Denes area proved such a success it was widened to other nearby streets and the initiative now covers seven streets in the Denes area.
Partnership and cooperation are key parts of the initiative, with residents reminded of their responsibilities when dealing with their waste and the support available when needed.
However, if all requests to work with the council and follow the rules are ignored, firm action is taken – including the removal of bins, with more than 80 taken away so far.
Image: Darlington Borough Council
Councillor Andy Keir, deputy leader and cabinet member for local services, explained: “As with many other areas, we face challenges in keeping our back lanes clear of litter and rubbish and deal with many complaints of fly tipping every year.
“We are determined to make a difference and this initiative has shown that by working together with residents, improvements can be made.
“Generally, the response from residents and landlords has been positive, and the results have been clear for all to see. But the time has come to say enough is enough to those who ignore the rules.”
Councillor Mike Renton, cabinet member for stronger communities, added: “We would remind everyone, your waste is your responsibility – and that includes your refuse and recycling bins. They should be kept in your yard, garden or within your property and only put out when they are due for collection.
“If you leave them out, they become a target for theft, damage, or even deliberate fires. They make our town look dirty and encourage vermin. This is a final reminder before we take action – if you leave your bins out, we will take them away.”
If you need help with your waste and recycling, a reminder of the rules about bringing in your bins, or want to know more about the initiative and how you can get involved, contact Paul McQuillan, environmental crime coordinator, part of the council’s Community Safety Team, by email at paul.mcquillan@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 406999.
Useful information on disposing of your waste
- Your refuse and recycling should be out by 7am on the morning of your collection day and you should bring them back in as soon as possible after collection. More details can be found on our website www.darlington.gov.uk – click on ‘Bins, Waste and Recycling’.
- Most larger items of household waste such as furniture, cookers, rugs, furnishings, electrical items and toys, can be left at the tip free of charge if you take it in your car. For more details visit www.darlington.gov.uk/tip
- Alternatively, you can book Bulky Wase Collection, which costs just £19.40 for up to six items. For more details and to book a collection visit www.darlington.gov.uk/bulkywaste
Several charities such as Frade, Kings Church, British Heart Foundation and St Teresa’s Hospice can take unwanted furniture and electrical items if they are still in reasonable condition and working order and some will collect (details can be found on the Bulky Waste page of our website, see link above).
If you decide to use a private waste collection company please remember to check its Waste Carrier Licence and ask for a waste transfer note. Licences are issued by the Environment Agency and you can check if a company is licensed by entering the name on the online register at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers Your waste is your responsibility, if it is dumped in a field or alleyway you could be fined along with the company you paid to remove it.
If you see someone fly-tipping please do send us the details, you can do this via our online form at www.darlington.gov.uk/reportit – the perpetrator will not know you have contacted us.
