U.K. ‘Bin Police’ to Patrol Residential Trash

by Barbara Mathieson | August 10, 2009 at 02:32 pm

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This is a great idea. My husband and I have less than a bag of trash each week. We recycle everything else. We pay more to have our "trash" hauled away. Plus, our community makes money on recycling and pays to put trash in a landfill. Fine 'em, Oxford.

by Amanda Wills

Imagine having your trash policed. You’d probably think twice before throwing away that recyclable PET bottle.

That’s exactly what Oxford officials are banking on. If an effort to cut down on waste, residents who produce more than one wheeled bin of waste will be fined 80 British Pounds ($133.94).

Officials say the fine will encourage more recycling, but residents argue that the amount of trash allowed is unreasonable. Photo: Compendiumblog.com

Oxford is cracking down on its waste management and recycling. According to the Daily Mail, “Waste Education Officers” will travel door-to-door, emptying trash cans and explaining to homeowners what can and cannot be recycled.

But residents in this university town are fighting back, pointing out the trash that comes from parties or large items that are purchased could add up quickly.

But officials have reacted by telling residents that bottles can be recycled and waste from large purchases should be taken back to the store for disposal.

Trash is picked up every two weeks in the city, meaning that residents will have to ration their trash to fit in a 240-liter bin. Some are worried that trash will start piling up in their gardens because of the rationing.