There is no excuse for fly-tipping in Ealing at any time.

But it is more important than ever to dispose of waste responsibly and not fly-tip rubbish during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the borough’s reuse and recycling sites remain closed.

Ealing Council is also aware of a small number of irresponsible individuals dumping used gloves, masks and similar protective PPE-style gear on streets in the borough. Not only is this illegal and unsightly, it can lead to the spread of COVID-19 and put vulnerable residents and vital front-line staff at risk.

Instead, residents should put PPE and any potentially infected items like used tissues or cleaning cloths into separate plastic bags and double-bag them. These bags should then be put aside for at least 72 hours (three days) before you put them out into your external bin. 

Rubbish and recycling collections are currently continuing as normal. This includes garden waste collections for residents who subscribe to the service, and food waste collections.

People can also help minimise the spread of COVID-19 by washing their hands regularly, maintaining good hygiene when handling rubbish and recycling and keeping their distance when collections are taking place.

Reuse and recycling centres at Greenford and Acton are currently closed until further notice and residents are reminded that anyone who dumps rubbish on their borough’s streets risks prosecution.

In fact, as a serious criminal offence, fly-tipping carries a maximum penalty of an unlimited fine or up to five years’ imprisonment.

Residents should store their garden waste until the depots reopen or try home composting. Other waste, such as DIY waste, should be stored or disposed of through the council’s bulky waste collection service, which is continuing.

It is always your responsibility to clear up bulky household waste and building material – you must ensure that you use the council or a reputable company to remove waste as you will be fined if this waste ends up on the borough’s streets or in local parks.

Councillor Mik Sabiers, the council’s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “Leaving discarded PPE equipment such as gloves and masks on the borough’s streets is disgusting and frankly dangerous.

“Please ensure that this is correctly disposed of to avoid putting local people and our front-line staff at risk of infection.

“It’s tough times at the moment and we have front line staff working incredibly hard to ensure waste is collected and streets are kept clean. We are urging residents to work with us – minimise waste where possible and store waste that cannot be collected or disposed of at the moment.

“Fly-tipping is so irresponsible, even more so at a time like this when our staff are outside working and putting themselves at greater risk in order to fulfil an important job that benefits the community.”

Find out more on the available services at www.ealing.gov.uk/recycling

Report a fly-tipper to the council online.