A plea has gone out to residents tempted to have a wardrobe spring clean during the coronavirus lockdown to only do it if you can store your recycling until the crisis is over.
The message comes from Erewash Borough Council, which says the clothing banks at its recycling centres are full to capacity. These banks are not run by the council but managed by third party charities and they are not currently being emptied.
People who have had clear-outs have now started dumping items on the floor, which is not acceptable, or even stuffing the unwanted textiles into bottle banks.
Councillor Garry Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, said; “We do appreciate it is very tempting to use time at home to do a spring clean, it is perfectly understandable. But as tempting as it is, we would politely ask that people only do this if they can store all their unwanted textiles until things get back to normal. When that happens those banks will be emptied and, of course, the charity shops will re-open and will welcome donations.
“Please, also, do not be tempted to put recyclable items and textiles in black bins. The overall message is please think twice about creating additional waste and recycling during these difficult times. We all have to take responsibility to get through this together.”