Call for food waste bags in Coalisland

A TORRENT councillor has called for biodegradable bags for household food waste to be made available for local citizens to collect at Coalisland Recycling Centre.

Councillor Dan Kerr told Council’s monthly meeting the biodegradable bags that can be used in a kitchen caddy, are not in supply at present in Coalisland Recycling Centre and asked for this to be addressed as soon as possible.

“The residents of Mid Ulster are recycling heroes,” said Cllr Kerr.

“However, it has been brought to my attention the biodegradable bags, the wee green bags for food waste, are not available at Coalisland Recycling Centre, staff are telling people asking for them to go to Dungannon to avail of them.

“Could these wee bags be made available to the residents of Coalisland at the recycling centre and could our social media team try and launch a campaign to encourage people to avail of these bags.”

Councillor Frances Burton also asked if the biodegradable bags could be provided at popular walking routes across the district for use by those who have perhaps forgotten bags to dispose of their dog waste.

“In relation to these bags, a resident from Fivemiletown has suggested to me that we could create a wee box near display signage at popular walking routes with these bags in them,” said Cllr Burton.

“They could then be used by those who had forgotten to bring their litter bag for their dog.

“People do sometimes genuinely turn up with a dog and realise they have forgotten their litter bags.”

Council’s Chair, Councillor Paul McLean said Cllr Burton’s request will be given consideration by officers and a report on the matter will be produced. That will go back to officers and a report will be produced on the matter at the next meeting of the environment committee.