By Isle of Wight Observer
Island residents and visitors are being urged to take extra care when disposing of barbecue waste, following a series of bin fires in Ryde, Shanklin and Sandown.
Several public litter bins have been destroyed or heat-damaged in recent weeks, prompting warnings from the IW Council and Island Roads. Authorities are particularly concerned about the ongoing dry conditions, which increases the risk of fires spreading.
Many of the incidents are believed to involve disposable barbecues, which pose a known fire hazard and are often difficult to recycle.
Improperly discarded barbecues can also cause damage in waste collection vehicles and recycling facilities, and even cooled units may pose a risk due to sharp edges or residual heat.
Cllr Karen Lucioni, chairman of the council’s environment and community protection committee, said: “Please make sure your barbecue is completely cool and dispose of it at home as part of your domestic waste collection. Public bins aren’t designed to handle this type of waste, especially during busy visitor periods.”
Residents are reminded not to leave rubbish beside full bins and to report damaged bins via the FixMyStreet tool at islandroads.com, by email to info@islandroads.com, or by calling 822440.
Mal Butler