Residents urged to bring in their bins

Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are joining forces to tackle the growing problem of wheelie bin fires.

Wheelie bin fires are not only a massive drain on the fire service's resources - the estimated average cost of a domestic bin fire is £2,000* - they can also be deadly, with fires spreading quickly to nearby homes.

As well as being targeted by arsonists, wheelie bins left in the street can cause a number of other problems, including making the local neighbourhood look untidy, causing obstructions on the pavements and potentially being used to transport stolen goods.

Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are running a targeted campaign to encourage residents to bring in their bins as soon as possible after they've been emptied.

Stickers are being placed on wheelie bins in Harpurhey, Higher Blackley, Bradford, Miles Platting & Newton Heath and Gorton North and leaflets, explaining to residents the importance of bringing in the bins, are being distributed.

There is an increased presence from the Fire Service and residents can apply for a free home fire risk assessment by calling 0800 55 815 or visiting www.manchesterfire.gov.uk.

Last year. throughout May and June a similar campaign had a real impact with a 35% reduction in bin fires in targeted areas compared to the same period the previous year.

Manchester City Council's Deputy Leader, Councillor Jim Battle said: "The personal and financial cost of these fires can so easily be avoided just by bringing in your wheelie bin. If you live next door to someone who is elderly or disabled, be a good neighbour and help them with their bin."

Dave Kirkham, Deputy Borough Commander for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said, "Don't make your bin an easy target for a malicious fire, too many times we have seen incidents where fires started in bins and rubbish have spread to homes , threatening the property and even lives".

To report problems with wheelie bins being left out, or any other environmental issues, please contact Environment on Call on 0161 954 9000 or email contact@manchester.gov.uk

*(source: ODPM Report 'Economic Cost of Fire':2004).

Media contact:

Sally Wheatman, Press Officer, tel: 0161 234 4045