SIGNAGE at bring banks could be made clearer in an attempt to reduce instances of contaminated and overflowing recycling bins. Public Services came up with the idea to stop islanders and businesses abusing the free facilities.

Recycling officer Keith Russell warned that fly-tipping would not be tolerated and revealed criminal charges had already been brought against one person caught dumping a black bag of rubbish at Salerie Corner.

‘The current signs are out of date and need to be modernised,’ he said.

‘People should be made aware the bring banks are for recyclable household waste only.

‘Although the majority of islanders use them in an appropriate manner, a small minority seem to think it’s OK for someone else to clear up their rubbish.

‘Our staff work hard to ensure the recycling sites remain tidy and they respond quickly to fly tipping, but this comes at a cost and unless the offender is caught, inevitably it is the taxpayers who suffer for this.’

He said the biggest problem was cardboard because it took up a large amount of space and became messy when rained on.

Businesses currently have no other option by which they can dispose of their recyclable waste for free.

It is possible the misuse of bring banks could continue until a specialist business service is introduced and members of the Waste Disposal Authority have discussed the possibility of introducing commercial bring bank facilities but nothing has yet been agreed.

The bag of rubbish dumped at Salerie corner was photographed for evidence and a name and address was found inside. Public Services is now seeking to reclaim costs from the alleged offender.

Public Services minister Bill Bell suggested renaming the bins ‘household bring banks’ in an effort to deter businesses from fly-tipping.

He also reiterated the consequences for anybody who was caught in the act.

‘We will be investigating each case and a charge will be incurred when the offenders are located,’ he said.

‘It’s a shame that these measures must be taken, but unfortunately it’s the only way to stop the innocent taxpayer from footing the bill.’

Convictions carry a fine of £2,500, or a prison sentence of up to three months.

* Anyone with information on fly-tipped waste should call Public Services on 717000.