Along with many other local authority areas nationwide, Oxford City Council has seen an increase in fly-tipping since the lockdown began.
Oxford City Council reminds anyone thinking of dumping their rubbish that fly-tipping in not just anti-social - it's a criminal offence, subject to a fine and prosecution. Responding to fly-tipped waste puts staff at unnecessary risk and diverts valuable resources from where they are needed most.
Household Waste & Recycling Centres, together with charity shops, remain closed due to the current restrictions. With increased sickness levels and absence due to self-isolation amongst waste and recycling staff, Oxford Direct Services has been forced to suspend its bulky waste collection service to prioritise resources elsewhere.
While it is recognised that this has made disposing of items harder, the community is asked to avoid undertaking big clear-outs from their homes, to hold onto larger items such as furniture where they can and do not dump items in the street or elsewhere.
“We realise that it is an inconvenience not having the usual disposal services available, particularly with so many stuck at home keen to tidy up and de-clutter. However, we need to remind everyone that simply fly tipping rubbish is categorically not an option.
“The coronavirus pandemic has created exceptional circumstances meaning that resources have to be focused where they do most good. Fly-tipping means that we have to divert staff from other more important work to clear the mess up. This is also putting our staff and local residents health at risk unnecessarily.
“Oxford City Council investigates all fly-tipping incidents and will prosecute anyone found to be responsible.”
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Customer Focused Services
The garden waste collection service (brown bins) was temporarily suspended, but will resume from Monday 4 May 2020.
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