Up to 750 mattresses collected for free

Almost 750 mattresses were collected at the free mattress collections in Mullingar and Athlone Recycling Centres last week.

These collections are part of Westmeath County Council’s programme to tackle illegal dumping and is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Further free collections of couches and nursery equipment are taking place on Saturday September 14 in Athlone and Mullingar Recycling Centres.

Cathaoirleach Paddy Hill said the free collection days are an opportunity to clear out items we don’t need anymore.

"Communities and local authorities are fighting illegal dumping daily and I urge people to be vigilant,” began Cllr Hill.

"The 'man in the van' operating without a waste collection permit is one of the biggest contributors to illegal dumping in the county and those engaging operators to remove their waste should always ask to see the Collector’s Waste Collection Permit”.

"Illegal dumping threatens all communities, whether urban or rural, as the rubbish is being dumped in back lanes, bogs, by-roads, cul de sacs and forestry areas. It affects every community and those hiring people to dispose of their waste need to ensure they use an authorised Waste Collector."

Ruth Maxwell of the environment department stated it is important for the public to be responsible for their waste disposal by using a permitted kerbside collections or authorised waste facilities such as the Recycling Centres in Athlone and Mullingar.

Recently introduced bye laws are aimed at reducing illegal dumping and backyard burning, increasing participation in kerbside collection and improving the segregation and quality of waste recycling at the household level.

Under these new bye laws, a fixed penalty notice of a maximum of €75 can be issued by the local authority or a member of An Garda Síochána to a person who fails to comply with same.