Lib Dems warn of 'flytipping epidemic' if HMOs are not given larger recycling bins

Liberal Democrats are calling on City of York Council to automatically provide larger recycling bins to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) when the planned switch from boxes to bins takes place next year.

Liberal Democrat campaigner Luke Draper is calling on the council to use the information it already holds on registered HMOs to ensure that properties with larger numbers of residents are automatically provided with appropriately sized recycling bins, rather than landlords having to log a request for each HMO individually.

The concerns come as the council moves from recycling boxes to wheelie bins, with residents facing a four-week gap between recycling collections. The council plans to issue each household with two 180 litre wheelie bins for recycling, with the opportunity to apply for bigger 240 litre bins, though these will be issued at the council’s discretion.

Luke said “The council recently contacted residents about the transition to wheelie bins for recycling. They stated that each property will receive small bins for recycling unless residents ask for large bins. For registered Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) which can accommodate six or more residents a small bin is going to be insufficient and large bins are required.

"The way the council is managing the transition will no doubt result in many HMOs missing out and receiving small bins. This will lead to overflowing bins as residents will have to wait four weeks between collections, or worse items put into black bins and not recycled at all.

"To avoid this happening and to also prevent rubbish blowing about the street Liberal Democrats are calling for the council to use the information they already have and automatically issue large bins to registered HMOs. This will be a much easier way to manage the transition and prevent future problems.”