Council targets tenants and landlords in waste enforcement drive

Council officers and environmental wardens have stepped up engagement with tenants and landlords in a bid to curb fly-tipping and littering.

The move comes after council officers said misunderstandings around bin collection schedules and presentation are behind repeated issues.

That’s particularly the case where residents and tenants are unclear about how and when waste should be left for collection.

Councillors on the Environmental Services Committee of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council heard how targeted action has now been rolled out to tackle persistent waste problems.

Reinforcing landlord responsibilities

The council’s statutory duties under the Private Tenancies Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 were also used as an opportunity to reinforce landlord responsibilities.

More than 40 written communications were issued to private rented sector landlords, covering 60 properties.

While the committee stressed that ‘education is key’, it also made clear that enforcement remains central to the approach.

Officers warned that those committing waste offences should understand that action ‘can and will be applied’ under the council’s Clean Neighbourhoods Enforcement Policy.

Environmental wardens have carried out 85 patrol visits since July last year.

As a result, 15 fixed penalty notices have been issued, all relating to littering offences, with none for fly-tipping.

Landlords unaware of waste collection

In neighbourhoods with a high concentration of private rented homes, officers say landlords may be ‘unaware of waste collection requirements and protocols in this borough and may not be able to readily obtain advice linked to their role as landlords’.

Engagement with letting agents has helped officers build a clearer picture of local pressures, including demand for bulky waste services when items such as mattresses, furniture or carpets are discarded between tenancies.

The report states: “As a consequence of these actions, it is hoped that the local area is maintained in a good condition and that it is easier for new residents and their landlords’ (where applicable) to quickly understand and follow the rules for waste collections.

“It is acknowledged that more direct doorstep engagement on waste issues may bring further improvements and limit slipping back.”