Last two recycling centres at Towcester supermarkets binned over problems with fly-tipping

Problems with fly-tipping and low demand have resulted in the last recycling facilities being removed from two supermarkets in Towcester.

The sites are at Waitrose and Tesco were installed many years ago for the use of residents before the blue bin household recycling service was provided to all households.

Continued misuse of the sites along with high costs for their operation has led to their removal by South Northamptonshire Council.

Cllr Dermot Bambridge, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: "Times have changed and the main reasons for us originally providing these sites no longer exist as the materials these sites take are now collected from everyone’s homes.

“Also, we have continued to see the unauthorised use of these sites by businesses as well as fly tippers, particularly at the Waitrose site, which is unsightly and costly to clear up.

“We hope that this does not cause any inconvenience to residents, but we do offer an excellent recycling service.

"We will be monitoring both sites to avoid any ongoing problems with the dumping of waste."

The council will be working with the store managers of both shops to minimise any ongoing problems with dumping - the decision will not affect the charity textile banks at both stores.

All households in Towcester and surrounding villages have blue bins to recycle a range of materials including paper, card, glass bottles and jars, cans, tins and plastic pots, tubs and trays.

Extra recycling can be left next to the blue bin in a box or bag - but not black bags.

Alternatively, there are recycling facilities at Towcester Household Waste and Recycling Centre on Old Greens Norton Road, which is run by Northamptonshire County Council.