Sleaford Police warn people against flytipping due to coronavirus lockdown

In a message on the policing team’s social media feeds today (Thursday), PCSO Patrick Welby said: ”Noticeable increase in fly tipping since the lockdown.

“Whilst I’m no fan of looking through bin bags, I will and if I find an address to link you to the rubbish I will work with environmental protection to help prosecute.”

District councils have issued a plea to residents to minimise their household rubbish over concerns that the coronavirus pandemic could cause a “spiralling of waste”.

The District Councils Network, which represents district authorities across the country, said it fears the pandemic will lead to a “wave of waste” in the coming weeks with families staying at home.

Where possible residents are asked to think twice about how much waste is put out – and avoid major spring cleans, DIY and garden projects unless they have somewhere to store the waste safely and legally until things change.

The network also urged against burning of any waste on bonfires.

A North Kesteven District Council spokesman said: “Our priority at all times will be to prioritise the collection of black-bin household waste, but it may be that we have to divert colleagues away from other tasks to achieve this.”

For your own peace of mind you may want to consider wearing gloves to relocate your own bin, wiping down the handle and washing hands after moving it.

Bulky Waste collections are currently unavailable and you are warned not to use private collectors in case this encourages flytipping. With more people at home for longer, residents may accumulate extra waste and recycling, but bin collectors will not be taking side waste in order to keep the service running smoothly. Try and maximise capacity in your bins by crushing packaging and using a home composting bin.

○ With Easter weekend upon us the district council is reminding residents to check their bin collection dates.

Collections due on Good Friday, April 10 will be as normal.

If your bin would usually be collected on Monday April 13, put it out for collection from 7.30am on Saturday April 11 instead.

Should you be unsure about your collection day, visit www.n-kesteven.gov.uk/findmybinday