Bin and gone: free recycling at pub

A PUB landlord has questioned why Oldham Council removed a community recycling bin from his car park.

Dave Giblin, of the Dog and Patridge in Constantine Street, Greenacres, said the bin was provided by the authority five years ago.

It replaced one he used to pay for, and the council bin was also used by locals to recycle their bottles and glass.

He said: “Now the council wants to charge us for it. But people still use it if they have overspill bottles from their recycling.”

He has asked his ward councillors to investigate.

But Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “Over the last few years we have heavily invested as a council to make recycling easier and now provide households with a choice of receptacles serviced by a kerbside collection service.

“There is no longer the need to provide the same number of sites, many of which are frequently subject to vandalism and are an additional cost to maintain.

“All businesses now have a legal obligation and duty of care to dispose of their waste correctly and be charged appropriately.

“Having a site at a pub where they can dispose of their glass waste for free gives them an unfair advantage compared with similar businesses such as restaurants and shops that do not have such a facility.

“Recycling is a key priority for the council, however, it is important that all businesses are dealt with fairly.”

If businesses have a query about commercial waste disposal or recycling they should call 0161-770 6644 or e-mail recycle@oldham.gov.uk.