Amid a fly tipping epidemic currently hitting Whitley, one resident has spoken out and given her view on why so many people are dumping rubbish. 

Sharon, who has lived in the neighbourhood for a long time, says that families are struggling with waste disposal as larger bins are only being given to families of five or more. 

"The fly tipping is actually a larger issue. The council are only giving larger bins to families of five plus," she said

"You could have a couple who have kids with disabilities or kids in nappies who don't have a car and are in a poorer area. There's nowhere to put the rubbish so they're left in a situation where they're dumping it."

Sharon says that although she is older now she can remember a time when she had young children and the waste was piling up. She was even left in a situation where she had to start burning waste on a bonfire. 

"This isn't a company getting rid of rubbish in the alleyways. It's families who have no other way of getting rid of it," she said. 

Sharon advised that Reading Borough Council should be issuing bigger bins to families who have children.

She said that she knows of a couple that have children and are in this situation. The couple has to rely on family to take waste to the dump for them. 

A spokesperson for the council has advised that it is possible to apply for a larger waste bin.

They said the following statement: "It is important to note the Council can review and approve additional waste capacity for households who have five or more adults, two or more children in nappies, and medical/hygiene waste requirements such as incontinence."

An application for additional waste capacity can be made here: https://www.reading.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/order-a-bin-or-bag/

Sharon said she had asked a local councillor if they could issue bins for larger families, but they allegedly told her it would be too expensive. 

"I went back to them and said well how expensive is it clearing up after everyone who can't get to the dump," she said. 

She also mentioned that residents dealing with incontinence and similar needs should be entitled to a larger bin, but are instead being issued bags. 

"They're too obvious, the bags, and it's an embarrassment for them. I know someone who did manage to get a big bin but she really had to push for it," Sharon said.