There had been issues where collectors  after getting the cans and bottles, scatter the rubbish on the ground.

Lautoka bottle and can collectors are urged to adhere to proper rubbish disposal rules and regulations after scavenging rubbish heaps, bags and bins.

Lautoka City Council chief executive officer Jone Nakauvadra said the council understands what collectors do to earn a living but they need to adhere to the disposal regulations.

Mr Nakauvadra said there had been circumstances where the collectors would get cans and plastic bottles from rubbish bins in the city and scatter the rubbish on the ground.

“After they collect the cans and bottles from the rubbish bins, they leave the rubbish on the ground, which are then either blown away or left scattered around,” Mr Nakauvadra said.

He said the issue was a real challenge to the council at the moment.

“These collectors come to search for the cans and bottles early in the mornings,” he said.

The council is now deploying workers early in the mornings to address the issue.

“We understand that some of these collectors depend on the money they earn from bottle and can sales but they must keep in mind that they should not leave or scatter rubbish after searching through rubbish heaps, bags or bins.

“After they have collected bottles and cans, they need to place the rubbish back in the bins as cleanliness of Lautoka City is the council’s priority.

He said that when business houses leave rubbish on days of collection, the can and bottle collectors also open the garbage bags and collect what they need, leaving the rubbish on the ground.

“I urge business houses to also keep an eye on such people so that we can keep Lautoka clean, hygienic and beautiful.

“Those found littering will be taken to task.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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