Public urged to store waste safely following closure of recycling centres

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Recycle for Greater Manchester are urging people to store their waste and recycling safely to reduce the risk of fire at home.

This comes as many residents are impacted by reduced bin collections and the closure of Household Waste Recycling Centres due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

With everyone spending more time at home, it is more important than ever to store and dispose of waste responsibly, whether you have kerb-side bin collections or communal bins.

How to safely store waste and recycling:

Check Oldham council’s website for updates on your bin collections

Keep your bins in a secure place, at least one metre away from your property

Avoid storing your bins under covered areas, such as porches

Don’t overfill your bins or leave loose rubbish around them

Never put batteries or electrical items in your bins – store them safely at home until the recycling centres reopen

Only put your bins out on collection days and bring them in once they’ve been emptied

If you have extra rubbish while the recycling centres are closed, store it securely in a shed or a garage if possible, or in a neat pile at least one metre away from your property

Advice for people living in flats and high-rise properties:

Always dispose of your rubbish according to the building arrangements

Where you have a communal bin room use it but stay two metres away from neighbours

Rubbish should never be stored in corridors, stairs or hallways

Do not store flammable materials like gas on your balcony

Reduce clutter and keep items on the balcony to a minimum

If you smoke, make sure you stub cigarettes out properly and never flick them off your balcony

Never put batteries or electrical items in your own bin or communal bins

Firefighters are also appealing to residents to not burn household waste in their gardens.

As well as the risk of the fire spreading, burning rubbish can cause pollution and harm to people’s health.

GMFRS’ Head of Prevention, Area Manager Paul Fearnhead, said: “I urge everyone to follow the guidance on how to store and dispose of your waste.

"It is imperative that we all do everything we can to reduce the risk of fire in our homes.

“A working smoke alarm is one of the most important things you can do to keep your family safe.

"It will give you vital extra time to escape if a fire did occur in your home.

"Now is the perfect time to test your smoke alarm, it only takes a minute and it could save your life.

“If you do come across a fire, don’t take risks or try to tackle it yourself. Get out, stay out and call 999.”

Residents are also being reminded to dispose of their waste responsibly.

Leaving waste outside closed recycling centres or charity shops, beside street bins or recycling banks, or on the floor of a communal bin area, is fly-tipping and you could face a £400 fixed penalty notice or an unlimited fine.

For advice on waste and recycling, visit: Recycle for Greater Manchester

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