Council to replace vandalised and damaged bins for half price

Council to replace vandalised and damaged bins for half price

6 February 2013

RATEPAYERS whose wheelie bin is stolen or vandalised can have it replaced by Down Council for a fee of £20.

The local authority introduced a new policy this week which requires ratepayers to report the matter to the PSNI when they will be issued with a crime number. They must show this to council officials before they are issued with a replacement bin.

Some local politicians wanted stolen or vandalised bins to be replaced free of charge, but it was felt that such a policy could be abused. Politicians agreed last month that a fee of £20 — half the cost of a replacement bin — should be charged.

Council chairman Mickey Coogan said it’s important people understand that they must firstly report their stolen or damaged bin to police.

Colette O’Rourke, one of Down Council’s environmental services officials, said householders should mark their bin clearly with their address, post code or at least the house number.

She said while householders must have their bin placed at the kerbside by 7.30am on their designated collection day, they should not put it out too early.

“People should endeavour to collect their bin as soon as possible after it has been emptied. Bins should not be left out overnight. People should also check that their neighbour hasn’t inadvertently taken their bin or that it has been misplaced,” Collette added.