Dont be caught out by rubbish offers

St Helens residents are being warned about the dangers of using casual, unlicensed tradesmen to dispose of bulky household waste.

While there are some legitimate local operators with waste carriers licences, reports of unlicensed crews calling on householders have increased in recent weeks.

The callers usually charge for removing rubbish and then sell on scrap items to the trade. However any items that can’t be sold are often fly-tipped on public or private land.

Cabinet Member for Environmental Protection Councillor Joe De’Asha said: “The low level of commercial tipping in St Helens is something residents can be proud of.

“The council’s bulky rubbish collection service is really the only way of removing large items safely, reliably and conveniently.

“Residents have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to make sure their waste is properly disposed of and people shouldn’t be caught out. We always investigate all fly-tipping incidents and take action when we find evidence of where it originated.”

The council’s environmentally responsible approach to bulky items includes the safe disposal of white goods – which it collects and hands over to social enterprise Create for recycling and re-use. Create then use the items to train people and get them back to work.

The Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority also operates four household waste recycling centres in St Helens - where residents can take their waste for free disposal. Currently about 60 per cent of the waste at these sites is recycled.

To book a bulky rubbish collection, either visit the council’s website or call the Contact Centre on 01744 676789.