North Tyneside's recycling centre has temporarily stopped accepting fridges and freezers due to a nationwide backlog, prompting residents to worry about a rise in fly-tipping.
National backlog forces temporary halt
North Tyneside Council is among the latest local authorities to halt acceptance of these appliances at its tip in North Shields. The move follows a national shortage of space at facilities that handle the toxic foams and gases in white goods.
Other councils, from Bradford to Warwickshire and Oxfordshire, have also paused fridge and freezer collections. North Tyneside Council has described the halt as temporary and apologised for the inconvenience, asking residents to hold onto unwanted appliances for now.
Public reaction in North Shields
A Conservative councillor for Preston and Preston Grange wrote to the authority, warning the move could lead to more fly-tipping. The local democracy reporting service spoke to residents in North Shields to gauge their views.
Sheila Clark, 75, said: “I lived in Italy for quite a long time, and their recycling system is second to none. They come and pick up organic waste once a week, and the others do as well. Go to Italy and install their recycling. Go to our tip, and it’s jumbled, and sometimes you don’t get to recycle, and the skips aren’t there. I think it’s shocking if people cannot get rid of their fridges.”
Mark Fail, 63, said: “Well, of course it is, absolutely. Any service that you take away is going to leave a void which will be filled by something else, which could be illegal.”
Residents suggest alternatives
Sue Savage, 66, of North Shields, said: “What else are people going to do, I mean I wouldn’t do that, but if you can’t get it to the tip.” She suggested people with working fridges could list them on Facebook Marketplace for those in unfurnished accommodation.
Richard Shelton, 60, said: “It could quite possibly do if people cannot get rid of them. From what I understand, if you wanted to get rid of a mattress or electrical items, you have to put them outside for them to take them, but if they’re damp, they won’t collect them. I pay £25 a year to park outside my own house and also pay £25 a year to have my garden waste collected. When you pay your council tax, you expect something from them.”
Vincent Finnigan, 73, added: “I think it’s shocking and it will lead to fly-tipping. Typical North Tyneside Council.”
Council response
In an earlier statement, Samantha Dand, director of environment at North Tyneside Council, said: “Where possible, we would ask that unwanted appliances be stored safely at home until normal service resumes. Residents purchasing new or replacement appliances may wish to consider retailer take-back schemes. While we appreciate this may be frustrating for residents, we are actively looking at what plans can be put in place. We are working with our waste management partners to closely monitor the situation and restore normal collections and disposal arrangements as soon as possible. We will continue to keep residents informed and provide further updates as more information becomes available.”
