New Safety Measures for Belfast Residents as Bin Warnings Roll Out

Black bins that are put out in Belfast by residents with their lids unclosed or lined will receive amber and red warnings, and are unlikely to be emptied, under a new health and safety drive at the council.

Details of the New Regime

Officials at aBelfast City Councilcommittee meeting this week gave details of a new waste disposal regime, which will involve a “bedding in” period between 12 May and 23 June. It will involve waste disposal workers leaving warnings for those who leave their bins out over-filled, with lids unable to be closed. There will also be warnings for residents who leave out bins with the insides lined with large bin liners. In both cases it is unlikely the bins will be emptied.

Enforcement and Changes

Elected members unanimously agreed to changes proposed by council officers at the People and Communities Committee. The decision will go to the full council next month, where it is expected to be ratified. The council will monitor reports and feedback to adjust messaging based on common issues. Enforcement of the full policy, involving red bin tags and non-emptying, will commence from June 23 onwards.

Enhanced Safety Measures

Since January 2014, the council workers have been given the right to reject waste disposal if “the bin lid is not fully closed and could cause a health and safety problem.” The council will follow this aspect of the service more robustly following a coroner’s report on a waste service worker fatality in Coventry in 2022. The bin lifter manufacturer has agreed to carry out modifications to prevent reoccurrence of fatalities. The council has already taken ownership of modified vehicles to address this issue.