Bonfire Night Waste amnesty bookings open on Friday 11 October
Midlothian Council is working with local Emergency Services in the run up to Bonfire Night to offer residents free uplift of combustible materials.
First come, first served
The service will operate on a first come first served basis, with booking opening on Friday 11 October.
Booking
To report or book items for uplift, please phone 0131 561 5284.
Preventing nuisance fires
Designed to cut down on the number of fires started deliberately, the initiative will run from Monday 28 October - Saturday 2 November.
Targeted coverage
Collections will be offered in areas which have historically had the highest levels of deliberate fire raising in Midlothian including Dalkeith and Woodburn, Mayfield and Easthouses, and Gorebridge.
Collection dates
Uplifts are offered on the following days:
- Monday 28 October - Dalkeith and Woodburn
- Tuesday 29 October - Dalkeith and Woodburn
- Wednesday 30 October - Mayfield and Easthouses
- Thursday 31 October - Mayfield and Easthouses
- Friday 01 November – Gorebridge
- Saturday 02 November - Gorebridge
Dangerous
Unauthorised bonfires are not only a danger to individuals, homes and communities, but can also unnecessarily divert the Fire and Rescue Service from dealing with other more pressing emergencies.
Arrange and report
The waste amnesty allows residents to arrange for the free uplift of specific flammable items from their homes such as furniture, carpets and mattresses. Any soiled items should be wrapped before pick-up.
Public areas where combustible items need to be collected can also be reported.
Items not accepted
Items which cannot be accepted include fridges, freezers, cookers, washing machines, dish washers, tumble dryers, bathroom suites, coal boxes, and asbestos.
Unpaid Work Team
Collections are being carried out by the Unpaid Work Team, made up of people who have been issued a Community Payback Order from the Court, giving them the chance to give back to local communities.
Joint initiative
The initiative is being jointly promoted by Midlothian Council, Midlothian Community Safety and Justice Partnership, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.