Wokingham Borough Council is encouraging residents to help keep the borough clean and green by recycling unwanted items, including Christmas trees, household goods and other items responsibly by using the Re3 recycling centres, the council’s large, unwanted items service or ‘man in van’ services who carry a valid waste carrier’s licence.
So far this year, 25 people have been added to Santa’s naughty list, and been issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of either £80 or £400 because their waste was fly-tipped illegally.
Executive member for neighbourhood and communities Cllr Bill Soane said, “We have a duty to keep our borough clean and green. Residents must ensure their waste is recycled using the correct channels. If we find waste and trace it back to you, you will receive a Fixed Penalty Notice. The festive period will not stop us from cracking down on illegal fly-tipping.”
As part of the council’s ‘Santa is Watching’ campaign launched earlier this month, residents can report illegal dumping in the borough, by reporting information confidentially online. The council has used information provided by residents to successfully identify and fine perpetrators, and if the information results in a successful prosecution, residents will receive a gift card of their choice to the value of £100.
Residents who use ‘man in van’ services are encouraged to check that their waste service provider carries a valid waste carrier’s licence – checking this takes less than a minute and can be done via the Environment Agency’s website.
Save Santa a trip and head to the tip with any unwanted household waste this Christmas. Residents can dispose of their waste at the Re3 recycling centres at Longshot Lane, Bracknell or Smallmead, Reading. The recycling centres are open seven days a week (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) and close at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Visit the Re3 website to book a tip slot and see the opening hours over the festive period.
The run-up to Christmas can be a busy time and residents are reminded that any large, unwanted items can be collected by the council. The service includes the collection of up to 5 large items at a charge of £56. Large items that can be collected include fridges, wardrobes, lawnmower, cookers, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, and more. Visit the council’s website to learn more.
After the festive period, unwanted Christmas trees can be recycled. Residents who are registered with the garden waste scheme or have purchased garden waste bags can chop their unwanted Christmas trees up and put inside their bin or bags on their collection days. Alternatively, the Re3 recycling centres will accept Christmas trees. Visit the Re3 website to book a tip slot and see the opening hours over the festive period.
