Tax payer foots bill for £200,000 wheelie bin blazes

Green Wheelie Bin

Wheelie bin arson attacks across Rochdale are costing taxpayers £200,000 according to Community Fire Safety Officers.

In 2008 local firefighters were called out to extinguish 100 wheelie bin fires across the borough, and each call out costs the taxpayer £2000.

Fire officers are appealing to residents to help them combat the number of bin blazes by asking them to take extra precautions when it comes to putting out their rubbish.

Their advice is to: Secure wheelie bins with a chain and padlock on the days when there are no refuge collections; Put bins out only on collection days as close to the time the bin men come as possible, and return them to a secure location as soon as they have been emptied – ask a neighbour if they are willing to secure your bin after collections if you are unable to do this yourself; and do not leave your wheelie bin or recycling bin overflowing with rubbish or place loose rubbish on top of the lid.

Firefighters are becoming increasingly angry with yobs that are suspected of causing the fires.

Glyn O’Reilly, Fire Service Liaison Officer for Rochdale, said: “Extinguishing wheelie bin fires is an unnecessary waste of firefighters' time and a drain on resources. It is also putting lives at risk by tying up the time of our officers, which is needed for genuine emergencies.

“However, we are committed to tackling this problem and are working with our partners in Rochdale Borough Council and Greater Manchester Police to explore ways in which we can minimise the number of wheelie bin attacks.

“But as residents, we think you can be our biggest help, by taking these simple but effective precautions.”

Residents can contact the Rochdale Community Fire Safety Team on 01706 900 127 to discuss concerns about how to keep their wheelie bin safe.