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Bin chutes at every Dundee multi could shut for good due to fire safety fears

Ancrum Court, in Dundee's Lochee, Kim Cessford / DCT Media.
Ancrum Court, in Dundee's Lochee, Kim Cessford / DCT Media.

Bin chutes at all Dundee multis could be closed for good under proposals to improved fire safety.

The waste disposal at all 10 multi blocks in the city will be blocked over the next year, due to concerns they do not meet new safety standards introduced after the Grenfell disaster.

Dundee City Council says a trial at Burnside Court in Lochee saw tenants successfully dispose of rubbish in other ways and councillors will vote on Monday on proposals to permanently close each of the remaining bin chutes.

But some residents say closing the chutes will pose more risks than it solves as rubbish will pile up on landings.

What are the benefits of closing the chutes?

The council says the chutes do not meet fire safety standards created after the fire at Grenfell Tower in London.

A lack of recycling facilities was also cited, as well as the cost of maintaining the chutes.

A report for Monday’s neighbourhood services committee says the chutes are “incompatible with the modern day demands of refuse disposal volumes”.

Successful Burnside Court trial

Between January and August this year, council officers carried out “extensive engagement” with the residents of Burnside Court to assess the impact of the chute’s closure.

More than 80% those who responded said they found the changes easy to
adapt to, according to the report.

However not all residents of the Dundee multis are happy with the proposals.

Among them is Dudhope Court resident Derek Tarbett, who said he was shocked and disappointed to learn the bin chutes could be closed.

Derek Tarbett. Image: Gareth Jennings/DC Thomson.

Derek said: “This is really disappointing and I’m really upset to hear this.

“This is only going to lead to both a health hazard and a fire hazard.

“It is also extremely worrying for elderly and disabled people who live in this building.

“How is someone elderly or someone with limited mobility meant to take their rubbish down several floors?

“It’s pretty impossible for some of them to manage to carry black bags of rubbish never mind down 14 flights – even in the lift.

“I honestly don’t understand how the council can think this is a good idea – it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

‘Residents have been positive’ about bin chute closures

Speaking ahead of Monday’s meeting, committee convener Heather Anderson said: “Residents of Burnside Court have been positive about both the lead up to the chute closure and the changes.

“As well as being safer, residents are now able to recycle their waste and help us meet our climate change targets.

“If we approve this proposal, we will undertake similar extensive tenant engagement
at the remaining multi-storey developments, providing information, advice and
assistance prior to and during the works.”

Conversation