Council's 'slim-bin' initiative sees 'rise in arson and fly-tipping'

The first council to use “slim bins” in a bid to encourage recycling has been accused of causing a rise in fly-tipping and arsons.

Bolton Council brought in the 140-litre waste receptacles last summer to replace the larger 240-litre versions in a £2 million switch.

But now, following a 30 per cent rise in arsons, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority has blamed the slim bins for having a “negative impact” fly-tipping and deliberate fires.

According to the fire service’s Quarter Two Performance Review 2016-17, “the borough has now virtually completed the change over from large wheelie bins to the smaller versions.

“This has already had a negative impact on the amount of fly tipping which will subsequently impact on the volume of deliberate secondary fires over time.”

The fire service claim in the last eight months of 2016 Bolton crews were called to 354 “loose refuse” fires, compared to 271 over the same period in 2015.

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However, councillors hit back at the claims.

Cllr Nick Peel, executive cabinet member for the environment said: “I don’t know how they can say that the number has increased.

“They don’t have the data to back it up and I think the conclusion is false.

“I don’t dispute that there may have been an increase in the number of callouts to loose rubbish fires, but they don’t collect fly tipping data.

“The council has to weigh and measure the amounts that are picked up from fly tipping in the town and those figures show that the amount of refuse picked up from fly tips has decreased.”

Residences aren’t happy either, particularly after blustery weather has seen the lightweight bins tip over.

According to Bolton News, local Steven Cox said: “I’ve never been anti ‘slim bin’ as I’m keen on recycling, but having seen the mayhem this morning after a windy night, it’s clear that tall, slim bins with a minimal floorplan are only going to be blown over, and their contents disgorged all over the streets.”

The council says the grey bins will save £1.25m a year and increase recycling levels across the borough.

There are plans to roll the smaller bins out across the country.