MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
September 23, 2010, Thursday
AN investigation has been launched after council bin men were caught on camera apparently collecting private rubbish from the back of a Ford Transit van on a city side street.
A local resident watched as the van reversed up to the bin lorry and the men began off-loading bags of rubbish, wood, and even an old fireplace.
The bin lorry involved was not one used for so-called special uplifts, where bulky items are collected for a £20 fee, or trade waste collections, which must be arranged on contract.
The bizarre exchange was captured on camera on Tuesday morning on Lindsay Street, behind the rundown Fort House block in Leith, and a probe has now been launched.
A city council spokeswoman confirmed that the photos were currently under investigation.
She added: "We welcome detailed reports into these types of incidents and would encourage the public to come forward to help us target mismanagement of waste and inappropriate use of resources.
"Any staff misuse of council vehicles or property could result in disciplinary action and improper disposal of commercial waste can result in prosecution."
The resident who photographed the incident said he started watching after a "shabby"-looking white van appeared on the street.
"It would only be seen by the small number of people still living in the block because it's due to be knocked down.
"They had what looked like and old fireplace, a van-load of wood and a couple of cement bags filled with various bits of junk. It looked like they were dumping stuff from a house clearance.
"The guys had a wee laugh and a joke with the bin men and then drove off, then the bin men went back on their rounds."
Businesses that do not have an official waste disposal contract with the council or other licensed waste carrier are liable for a fine of up to £2000.
The city council axed free special uplifts for domestic waste in April and now charge a £19.99 flat rate fee, in a move critics feared would lead to a rise in flytipping.
However, Councillor Maureen Child, environment spokeswoman for the council's Labour group said: "Without wishing to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, which may yet show that there was nothing untoward going on here, I would have serious concerns about such practices taking place as a result of the scrapping of free uplifts.
"If council bin lorries are being used to collect private waste it's a matter of great concern. It's just not on."
The last remaining residents of Fort House are expected to be removed by the end of the year, with demolition work set to begin shortly after.
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