Rubbish left out in bins and bags can be a risk for both waste collectors and other local people, residents in Burnham and Highbridge have been warned this week.

From ash and broken glass through to rubbish bins too heavy to safely empty, refuse is often a hazard if simple steps are not taken, says Somerset Waste Partnership.

Just as every scrap of recycling – including all food waste – should be diverted from your rubbish, every item that could be a threat must be carefully handled too, it warns.

“For plenty of people, out of sight is out of mind when it comes to rubbish, yet it could be a risk to collection crews as well as their family and neighbours,” says the group’s spokesman Nick Cater.

“Simple steps can ensure not only that your rubbish has no recycling in it, but also that your rubbish contains nothing that could be a hazard to other people.”

He added: “Properties putting out black sacks must be especially careful to wrap sharp items, such as broken glass, and allow hot materials to cool.”

“Food is also a particular problem, attracting pets as well as pests to tear open black sacks and put people and animals at risk from the contents while creating a mess.”

“Ash, cinders, dust and the contents of vacuum cleaners should not be added loose to rubbish boxes or black sacks, and the remains of fires or barbecues must be cold.”

“Instead, such materials should be carefully bagged up so when bins are emptied or sacks moved clouds of particles do not escape and get into eyes or cause breathing problems.”

 
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