A tonne of litter has been removed during a major clean up on one of the Vale of Glamorgan’s major roads.
A ‘Magnificent Seven’ team from the council’s waste management and cleansing division collected the litter – approximately 80 orange bags – during a full day stint along Five-Mile Lane.
As well as food wrappers and general litter, the team removed items such as a garden table and chairs and fridge freezers.
Vale Council cabinet member for visible and building services Cllr Geoff Cox said: “As usual, the team has done a thorough job and worked exceptionally hard. But there really is no excuse for littering. It is sheer laziness that people feel it is easier to throw things out of their vehicle window rather than take it home to be recycled, composted or binned.”
Littering is a form of fly-tipping, and hefty fines can be imposed. Cllr Cox added: “The council has an enforcement team and will not hesitate to issue fines to those caught dropping litter across the Vale, whether it is fast food, dog poop or household items.”
Council cleansing superintendent Tony Spear said: “Whilst the team are doing their job, we are keen to promote that as residents of the Vale, or visitors, everyone should take more pride in their surroundings. It’s really unacceptable to have a tonne of litter on any five-mile stretch.”
The annual UK bill to investigate and clear fly-tipping is approximately £150 million, and Tony added: “The council collects bulky household items for free, offers a comprehensive household recycling service and there are numerous recycling centres and bring banks located across the Vale. If anyone is unsure what to do, we can help; please contact the team. Never litter.”
The litter picking team was Phil Swannick, Russell Morgan, Andy Ball, Tony Smith, Phil Dee, Charlie Hobbs and Mike Holland.
For more information on waste management and cleansing, or to report an incident, please contact the Vale Council by emailing [email protected] or telephone 01446 700111; you can also visit the recycling pages.
