Important message for waste during bonfire season

As lockdown continues and the Summer months approach, residents are being asked not to gather materials at traditional bonfire sites across the Borough.

Council is also urging the public not to burn any additional waste during the coronavirus pandemic, instead directing residents to its Household Recyling Centres.

The burning of materials could cause a smoke problem for residents, as well as posing a significant fire risk.

Council and its statutory partners continues to work closely with community groups across Mid and East Antrim and has commended their willingness to engage and support efforts to ensure social distancing guidelines are adhered to and unwanted items disposed of responsibly.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Maureen Morrow, said: “Community groups across the borough have shown their true community spirit throughout this pandemic by helping the most vulnerable.

“During the worst of times, as we face a public health crisis like never before, we are seeing the best of people.

“We are asking people to adhere to social distancing by not gathering at bonfire sites and to dispose of any waste correctly as is laid out on the Council’s website and social channels.”

Station Commander Alan Barr from Ballymena District, NIFRS said: ‘’I welcome this appeal from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. When NIFRS responds to materials on fire at bonfire sites, crews are unnecessarily tied up when they may be needed elsewhere, such as a house fire or road traffic collision.

“Attending deliberate fires such as these during the COVID 19 situation further increases the danger to the public as crews may take longer to respond if they have to attend from other locations.’’

Three Household Recycling Centres in Mid and East Antrim are open and Council would encourage people to check the website on how they can safely dispose of their waste.

HRCs reopened from Monday 20 April to allow householders to make essential visits to dispose of additional waste that they are unable to store at home.

Centres which are open are Waveney Road, Ballymena; Redlands, Larne; Sullatober, Carrickfergus.

The three HRCs will be open between 9-5pm Monday-Friday. The centres will not be open at the weekend.

• Please note there are restrictions on what will be accepted: green garden waste, black bag waste, flattened cardboard, glass and cans.
• No vans will be permitted.
• Due to COVID-19, householders will be required to unload their own waste, to ensure social distancing from staff. Car access will be restricted due to social distancing measures which could result in queues.

All the latest information on public services in Mid and East Antrim can be found at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/covid-19