Increased fire prevention measures welcomed at Mid Ulster recycling centres
Following recent fires at some recycling plants Cllr Denise Johnston organised a public meeting in response to constituents’ concerns
SDLP Moyola Councillor Denise Johnston has welcomed increased fire prevention measures being introduced at Mid Ulster Council recycling centres.
The SDLP councillor, who is Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster Council, was speaking after the publication of a report by Mid Ulster Council on fire prevention measures at the Council’s recycling sites.
Following recent fires at some recycling plants Cllr Johnston organised a public meeting in response to constituents’ concerns.
Cllr Johnston said: “Those living and working in close proximity to recycling centres were concerned about the risks to their health, homes and businesses given recent fires.
“I made a commitment to the public to do whatever I could to further reduce the risk of fire at these sites by looking at how batteries are disposed of.
“I asked Council to raise awareness of people’s responsibility to dispose of batteries safely by removing them from small domestic appliances before recycling.
“Signage has now been introduced at Council sites and there has been a social media campaign to raise awareness of the risks. I would urge everyone to do their bit by removing and disposing of batteries separately in the special containers at Council sites.
“I was also concerned about the transport of the small domestic appliances from Council recycling sites to private recycling centres and the use of rear-end loading skip vehicles for the transport. The report noted that the Council does not operate these vehicles.
“The company responsible has now indicated that they are planning to move away from this method of collection of small appliances where feasible in the coming months. They are also liaising with Council Officers on the feasibility of replacing the current skip vehicles with larger Roll On / Roll Off skips to reduce the risks associated with crushing and compacting the electrical material. This is an important commitment and will bring Mid Ulster closer in line with transport schemes used in other regions on these islands.
“I hope this will give some assurances to the public. While we cannot totally eliminate the risk of fire, I believe that these measures will help make recycling in Mid Ulster safer.”