A SIMPLE bin bag solution could put an end to Leamington’s summer problem of pavements piled with student rubbish.
Residents in the old town area have once again voiced anger at the multiple black bin liners and other rubbish dumped outside properties as students make their end of term exodus from the town.
Residents have branded the abandoned bags a ‘serious public health issue’ and another said they were left ‘gagging in the street’ by the smell during the recent heatwave.
Warwick District Council’s refuse team is under strict orders to collect only two black bin bags per household, so rubbish is regularly left on pavements, attracting animals and insects.
But calls are now being made for the council to adopt a special end-of-term collection service currently operating successfully in other parts of the country.
The seemly simple solution involves the use of different coloured bin bags for student properties during the end of summer term clear out.
The scheme has been running well in Sheffield for three years. Refuse collectors can clearly identify bright red bags as student rubbish and know it needs to be collected.
Students pick up their bags from their student union, which minimises the risk of non-students taking advantage of the additional collection service.
A council spokesperson said: “We always look to learn from the experience of other local authorities and will look further into the Sheffield example ready for the departure of students next year.”
But the university is more keen for students to combat the problem by using services currently available.
Peter Dunn, director of press and policy said: “Rather than imposing another collection, isn’t it better for students to fit in with locals?”
The council has worked closely with the university this year, providing additional information and encouraging departing residents to plan ahead.
An email was sent out by the university on behalf of the council to every student advising them of the process for clearing out their property and checking collection dates.
This information has been supported by a co-ordinated social media campaign, with advice being shared by councillors, businesses and university unions.
