EAST HAMPSHIRE residents at home because of the coronavirus quarantine are being urged not to burn garden waste and not overload their wheelie bins with household rubbish.

With so many people now at home, many are spending time either gardening, doing jobs around their home, or spring cleaning or de-cluttering their homes.

And those with garden, DIY or household waste are being asked not to burn it, or overload their wheelie bins.

East Hampshire District Council says it is even more important residents are respectful and considerate towards the people living around them.

Councillor Ingrid Thomas said: “Many people are now confined to their homes either through sickness, self-isolation or from government requirements to work at home.

“That’s why we’re asking people to be particularly considerate of their neighbours.

“Bonfire smoke is anti-social to your neighbours.

“And it can also be seriously damaging to people who have respiratory difficulties – a major symptom of coronavirus.

“Please think about your behaviour and how it might affect others at this difficult time.

“That might mean turning the music down or limiting those noisy DIY jobs.”

And it is particularly important residents do not attempt to get rid of household waste by burning it, as this is likely to release toxic gases.

Any garden waste can be either composted or collected until such time as other more appropriate disposal methods are available.

Household waste and recyclable waste should be put into the respective waste bins as normal to await collection.

But this comes at a time when some councils, like Hampshire County Council, have had to reduce services to focus on dealing with the coronavirus crisis.

The county council has already shut waste recycling facilities, like the one in Bedford Road, Petersfield, because of social distancing measures and staff having to self-isolate.

And as concerns over spiralling household waste grow, residents are being urged to minimise the rubbish they generate that in some cases is a result of having stocked up with food.

If you have any concerns about environmental issues in your neighbourhood, contact East Hampshire District Council environmental team on 01730 234360 or through the website www.easthants.gov.uk