Rubbish residents face hefty fines

Headingley residents who do not deal with their waste properly could face fines up to £50,000 this month.

Council Enforcement Officers from the Leeds City Council will be patrolling door-to-door taking photos and marking bins with house numbers to identify offenders. Any household that has its bins left out or has waste in the garden will be automatically issued a fine.

The fines which students could be issued are just the same as the fines that residents in other areas receive for the same environmental infringements. These include £100 fines for each tenant if bins are left on the street, and £2,500 fines for waste left in garden. Residents who leave waste on the street could land a £50,000 fine and up to five years imprisonment.

Headingley has been singled out in this instance as it is the Council’s opinion that waste, litter and graffiti issues are worse this term than previously and it has received complaints from permanent residents.

Ben Fisher, Leeds University Union Community Officer told Leeds Student: “There are certainly problems with waste in Headingley and I think everyone is keen to see an improvement in the area. I understand why the council has gone down the route of enforcement, but I think we should be seeing a much wider education campaign before resorting to fines.”

James, a second year student and Headingley resident told said: “I was shocked to hear how harsh the penalties could be. But if that is what it takes to improve the cleanliness of Headingley, then so be it. I’ll think definitely pay more attention to the waste around my property.”

Leeds City Council has urged students to “be a good neighbour by keeping your street and garden clean and tidy.”