Workers’ health risk posed by pigeon and dog dirt

So much so that Derry City Council is considering a special container for dealing with dog and pigeon dirt in the Brandywell recycling centre.

A Council report reveals arrangements were recently put in place so that all materials brought to seven recycling across the city are sent for waste treatment with only the residual fraction subsequently going to landfill.

This allowed the Council to ‘rationalise’ activity at Pennyburn, Brandywell and Glendermott and to remove skips placed at these locations for deposit in waste compactors. However, workers have complained of difficulties operating equipment and in particular changing over containers specifically regarding dog and pigeon wastes.

The report explains: “These materials, compacted during the compaction cycle, are escaping from the container opening and are smeared across the mechanism operated by the attendants.

“This poses an unacceptable risk to the health of not only the site attendants but all those who come into contact with the containers/wastes including drivers and operatives at the treatment facilities.”

Apparently, a number of users are bringing several bags of material to sites on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.

“These users, when asked, have stated that they have no other method of disposal and that in their view this material would end up being dumped indiscriminately should the option of not disposing of it at a recycling centre not be available,” the report explains.

Consequently, it has been suggested that a dedicated container be sited at Brandywell Recycling Centre to facilitate the safe and controlled disposal of this waste to landfill.

“These wastes will only be accepted at this location with officers monitoring usage. Should significant quantities be presented then it may be appropriate that a charge be applied to offset costs associated with providing the service.

“Officers will monitor and report back to Members on the scheme bringing recommending follow up actions if appropriate,” the report states.