Local Fine Gael Councillor, John Dolan, has requested that bottle banks within Athlone and its environs are emptied on a more frequent basis.
“I have been asking for more frequent collections from the bottle banks in the area for some time now, but the recent COVID-19 lockdown has seen a massive increase in the volumes of both cans and bottles being deposited in these facilities.
"Unfortunately I have had numerous reports of people finding the bottle banks full when they get to them to recycle their bottles and cans. In fairness, after I contact the Council they have been emptied within a few days, but surely a more frequent roster should be implemented to cater for this increased volume of recycling.
"I am also requesting more use of CCTV at bottle banks because unfortunately some people are leaving rubbish and items not meant for these facilities and both the Council and various tidy towns groups are left to tidy up after them," Cllr. Dolan stated.
From a recycling viewpoint, Cllr. Dolan noted the the bottle banks are of major ecological benefit to local communities.
“The bottle banks are a great facility and are getting great use, but if the bottle bank is full I would ask that people would not leave either cans or bottles there and either go to another facility or wait until the contractor has emptied it, and I would also encourage anyone who sees some one leaving rubbish to report the matter to the Council.
"Everybody needs to play their part to keep our bottle banks tidy and help the Council provide this great service to us all," Cllr. Dolan concluded.
