‘Illegal dumpers’ targeting Enniscorthy homes by filling recycling bins overnight

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Illegal dumping in Enniscorthy has taken a new twist after it was revealed that people are secretly depositing household waste in recycling bins left out overnight.

And, as a result of this activity, waste companies are refusing to collect bins which belong to those paying their annual fees.

Bringing the case to the September meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District (EMD), Councillor John O’Rourke said the issues had begun when bins taken out of circulation were left in public places.

“The companies aren’t collecting bins when we take them out circulation, they’re being flagrantly used by members of the public putting household rubbish in them,” he said. “Now these illegal dumpers are starting to target the householders who are paying for their bins; I’ve had a number of people contacting me saying their recycling bins aren’t being taken by the refuse company because someone had dumped general waste into it overnight.

“Those of us who are paying our refuse bills are being targeted by those who have no bins at all. I don’t know what we can do about this but it will escalate if something isn’t done.”

In response, a council official said it is “very difficult to protect bins left out in the open”, but that he would talk to the bin companies regarding the matter.

However, Cathaoirleach Pat Kehoe had a novel suggestion to ensure all paid bins were protected.

“Could we utilise a locking system on the bins?” he asked. “The bin companies could be issued with a master key, it would stop someone getting into your bins.”