A recent online survey of 739 Island residents illustrates the deep anger and frustration concerning the reduced waste collection service on the Isle of Wight, with some 1,000 comments directed squarely at the Isle of Wight Council.
Over 75% of those surveyed believe there is a problem with fly tipping on the Island with the most popular suggested reason being ‘reduced access to waste recycling centres’.
Up until 2017 the tip was open between 07:00-18:00 in the Winter (Oct-Mar) and 07:00-20:00 in the Summer (Mar-Oct). However, in October 2017 the Winter opening times were cut by 3 hours a day. Summer opening times have been cut by a staggering 5 hours a day – Lynnbottom is now only open between 10:00-18:00.
To add insult to this, last week the Isle of Wight Council launched a campaign which accuses Islanders alone of being the cause of fly-tipping across the Island. The Council launched the #CrimeNotToCare campaign, which says that the root cause of fly-tipping is ignorant and irresponsible Islanders either dumping their rubbish or handing over to a ‘man with a van’.
However, this survey clearly disagrees with only 7% of respondents saying that illegal waste collectors are to blame.
Vix Lowthion, IW Green Party spokesperson and creator of the survey, has said:
“Islanders have spoken – and they are very angry! Reading through the nearly 1,000 comments it is clear that an efficient waste service is central to what Council Tax payers expect for their money.
“I heard of the Council’s campaign to lay the blame squarely with residents for the fly tipping with disbelief! The IW Council need to get their own waste services in order and back to a reasonable level before they go pointing fingers at islanders. We must ensure our island remains a beautiful natural environment for visitors and residents throughout the summer months.”
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Survey comments received include:
• “I keep paying more taxes, get less for my money – and then I am expected to pay further for green waste collection. When is all this going to end?”
• “Hours operated are ridiculous and designed to increase fly-tipping”
• “Used to go early to get rid of my waste as due to mine and my husband’s disabilities was easier for us. Now have to pay for a private waste collector”
• “Fly tipping will unfortunately rise due to the opening times at the dumps”
• “Fly tipping is disgusting. If it didn’t cost so much to use the recycling centres it wouldn’t happen!”
The full report can be found at https://surveyhero.com/results/68751/e896ecf8483fa696a6453ccef3a2e3b2.
