The 'big bin' debate!
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Bin size’s have been causing some controversy lately SE3606
NEWTOWNABBEY and Carrickfergus Councils have come up with two completely different attitudes towards the use of super-sized wheelie bins.
In Newtownabbey Council area the 360 litre wheelie bins are issued to some big families who produce large amounts of rubbish that will not fit into a normal sized bin.
But in nearby Carrickfergus the use of super-sized wheelie bins has been banned for health and safety reasons.
The extra-large wheelie bins have been outlawed in Carrickfergus because local council officials believe the bins are too heavy when full, and pose a health risk to council staff.
A spokesman for Newtownabbey Council said people who wanted to be issued with the larger 360 litre bin would have to apply to the council and produce written evidence of their need for a bigger bin.
A spokesman said: "Newtownabbey Borough Council operates a very strict policy regarding the distribution of larger 360 litre refuse bins for Newtownabbey residents.
“Large families and households with medical conditions that result in additional non-recyclable waste being produced can call the council on 028 9034 0057/6 for more information. All applicants will be assessed on an individual basis and written evidence will be required. The service provided will be at the discretion of the Director of Environment Services or nominated deputy."
In Carrickfergus things are different - the council has ordered refuse collection workers not to empty any extra-large wheelie bins that have been bought privately by members of the public.
However, Carrick Council has said it does take larger families into account and will issue an extra standard sized wheelie bin to families with five or more people, who produce too much rubbish for a single bin.
East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs said he was surprised that Carrick and Newtownabbey councils could arrive at two different decisions on wheelie bins, but he defended Carrick's ban on the bigger bin.
“Even a standard wheelie bin can become excessively heavy," he said. "I can understand the difficulties that could arise in increasing the size of the bin. Already some people have difficulties handling a standard sized bin. Some people have difficulties placing their bins at the roadside - there could be even more difficulties if larger bins were involved.
“I would be content with the methods used in Carrick Council which is to offer a second bin to larger families of five or more who request it."
A spokesman for Carrickfergus Council said officials had looked at the viability of the bigger bin but had decided against it. The spokesman said: "We do not carry a stock of these large wheeled bins. Our policy for families with five or more persons is to provide an extra bin.
“We risk assessed these extra-large bins and decided they were too heavy when filled and posed a risk to the health and safety of our employees. If a resident purchases one we will not empty it."
