PEOPLE have today been dumping their household rubbish outside the gates of Bridgwater’s recycling centre after arriving there and discovering it closed.
As reported in the Mercury, the household waste recycling centre at Saltlands is now closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as part of a wider programme of cost-cutting measures introduced by the Somerset Waste Partnership.
The changes were confirmed on March 25, but yesterday was the first day the Saltlands centre was closed to the public.
Not everybody seems to have become aware of the changes, however, as scores of motorists have turned up today at the gates – and some have resorted to dumping their rubbish outside.
Nick Cater, of the Somerset Waste Partnership, said automatic number plate recognition cameras were monitoring the site and that anybody caught fly-tipping could be prosecuted and fined.
He said as soon as the partnership was notified of the problem, staff headed to the site, where together with Sedgemoor District Council workers, they are now removing all the rubbish.
He added: “The unfortunate thing is that all the rubbish that’s been dumped will now have to go to landfill, at a cost to Somerset taxpayers.
“The Government taxes everybody in Somerset £56 for each tonne that’s dumped at landfill.”
He added: “This is the kind of blip that’s inevitable when you introduce changes like this.
“We have advertised the changes in local newspapers including the Bridgwater Mercury, and on TV and radio.
“There are also signs up at every recycling centre saying where the next nearest open centre is.
“Every day there are nine recycling centres open across Somerset.
“We are sorry if people are frustrated at turning up to find the centre closed but they cannot just leave their rubbish outside the gates.
“If people have any problems, they can call Somerset Direct on 0845-3459188, or visit our website (click on the related link below).
Mr Cater said no similar problems had been reported at other recycling centres in Somerset since the changes were introduced.
Have you been to Bridgwater’s recycling centre today or yesterday? What do you think of the new opening hours? Have your say using the comment form below, or e-mail newsdesk@bridgwatermercury.co.uk
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