AN INVESTIGATION has been launched in Wirral after allegations that bin collectors have emptied recycling bins into waste headed for landfill.
The council said it had been informed of the allegations and was investigating the claims – and, if true, those responsible could face disciplinary action.
Conservative councillor Chris Blakeley had passed on one of the reports that the contents of a grey bin – used for recycling paper, cans, and glass and plastic bottles – had been emptied into the same bin wagon as a green bin, which takes non-recyclable waste.
A letter from one of his constituents last week said: “My complaint is that, having waited since December 27 for a green bin collection and January 2 for a grey bin collection, a vehicle turned up today and emptied both green and grey bins into the same vehicle.
“I understand the disruption, but I am really annoyed that my efforts to recycle are treated with such contempt.” Cllr Blakeley said he was told by the authority there had been three separate claims that this had happened and the council was in contact with Biffa, who have the waste and recycling contract for Wirral.
Cllr Blakeley said: “I was told this was the third report they had received and there have been interviews with crews.”
He said: “If people see recycling waste being put in with waste from the green bins, they are going to start asking why they are bothering to recycle at all, and we may as well return to weekly collections.”
