Safer, Cleaner, Greener: Falmouth Town Council talks rubbish to residents

This final instalment of Falmouth Town Council’s Safer, Cleaner, Greener public information campaign urges residents to stick to their ‘bin day’ to prevent hazards and keep the town tidy.

Why is it a problem if I don’t?

If rubbish is not stored securely, is put out too early for collection, or if bins and bags are permanently on our streets, scavengers can attack them and passers-by can add loose waste such as take-away wrappers and bags of dog excrement.

An accumulation of refuse is not only unsightly and unpleasant: it affects how people feel about, and behave in, the town. It can also:

- obstruct the path for people with wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams

- present a hazard for people with impaired vision or mobility problems

- encourage vandalism, litter, fly-tipping and arson

- damage vehicles or other property if blown around in the wind

- make it difficult for us to keep our streets and services lanes clean.

It is also against the law and offences can lead to on the spot fines or prosecution.

If it is impossible for you to put out your bins and bags on the morning of your correct collection day, you can do so the night before but it must be after dark. Be aware, however, that vermin and cats will rip them open, creating a feast of waste for the seagulls at dawn.

As soon as your refuse and recycling has been collected, please return your empty bins and bags to your property, and do not leave them on the street all week.

How can I find out when my collection day is?

Click on www.cornwall.gov.uk/my-area, tap in your postcode and click on your address in the drop down menu.

What can I do about other people’s bins and bags that are left out on the street all week?

If your neighbours are leaving their bins or bags out on the street all week on a regular basis, other than on the scheduled collection day, please report this via cornwall.gov.uk/report-it or 0300 1234 100.