STRABANE Council has issued a stark warning to householders over the segregation of waste.

The move is the latest zero tolerance approach adopted in a bid to get people using their blue and black bins correctly.

It comes after a recent Council survey revealed that nearly 30 percent of residents are not using their blue bin properly.

Council Chairman Jarlath McNulty explained: "The blue bin scheme has been operational in Strabane District for nearly half a decade. We know that the vast majority of residents in Strabane District use their blue bin effectively and recycle as much as they can.

"We also know that there are some householders in Strabane District who cannot be bothered. This is not acceptable.

"We do not want to create a situation whereby the people who are actively recycling are carrying the cost of those who think that the rules do not apply to them.

"We have had an ongoing education and awareness-raising campaign about how to recycle and use the blue bin effectively. Unfortunately, we now have to adopt a different approach.

"We are inspecting black bins for non-compliance. If we consistently find blue bin waste in a black bin we simply will not lift it until the householder begins to segregate their waste properly."

Under the new scheme, officers are using a 'green and red card' system. If they look into householder's black bin and see newspapers, cardboard, tin cans and plastic bottles (items that should be placed in the blue bin) a green information sticker is put on their bin.

Whilst the bin is lifted on this occasion, this sticker informs the householder that recyclable waste (which should be in the blue bin) has been found in the black bin.

The sticker also has contact details if the householder needs further information and advice on using their blue bin more effectively.

The inspection will be repeated a few weeks later and if the householder still is not seen to be segregating their waste correctly, their black bin will not be lifted.

Council's Chief Technical Services Officer, Malcolm Scott added: "Officers started the process of inspecting black bins this week and frankly we were surprised and disappointed at the volume of recyclable waste we found in the black bins.

We need residents to put all their plastic bottles, newspapers, cardboard, aluminium and steel cans into their blue bin.

"The low level of recycling in Strabane District has serious cost implications towards the district rates.

"We need everyone to comply and participate in the blue bin scheme. We hope that everyone will use their blue bin more as a result of this initiative and recycle more."

'Frankly we were surprised and disappointed at the volume of recyclable waste we found in the black bins.'