ONGOING anti-social behaviour and a drive to cut costs have prompted the withdrawal of mini recycling centres across the borough.

Dudley Council chiefs say the service is no longer cost effective and significant fly-tipping at the recycling centres - located at sites in Dudley, Stourbridge, Brierley Hill, Wordsley, Kingswinford, Halesowen, Colley Gate and Upper Gornal - has led to a number of private landowners and commercial premises requesting the banks be removed from their land.

People have also been breaking open the facilities to remove clothing - leaving debris strewn across car parks.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “Over recent years we have experienced significant fly tipping at these recycling centres.”

She said the bins, which were introduced to the borough 15 years ago when residents had no other recycling facilities, have now become “surplus to requirements” as the council operates a fortnightly kerbside recycling service which is available to households across Dudley for glass, plastic, cans, paper and cardboard.

Cllr Shakespeare added: “Residents may not be aware they are not limited to one of each of the bags and boxes for their fortnightly recycling needs – they can request more, free of charge, by contacting Dudley Council Plus on 0300 5552345. There are also additional recycling facilities (including textiles and cartons) at the Household Waste Recycling site in Stourbridge.”

A council decision sheet says the closure of the mini recycling facilities will save around £45,000 but the withdrawal of an associated collection vehicle will have a negative impact on the transport department's income of £26,000 a year so the overall saving for the authority will be £19,000 a year.