Help tackle overflowing dog waste bins with My Darlington app
Dog walkers are being urged to help tackle full and overflowing dog waste bins by reporting them via a new feature on our My Darlington app.
Our easy to use app, allows you to use your phone or tablet to quickly report issues to us, check bin collections, see where roadworks are and much more.
We have around 280 dog waste bins and more than 800 general rubbish bins across the borough, and they are emptied regularly, but in popular dog walking areas the dog waste bins may get full more quickly.
We've now added a new ‘Report a bin’ feature on our My Darlington app allowing dog walkers to let us know straight away it they spot a dog bin that needs emptying when they are out and about.
All you need to do is go to the app, click on the ‘Report a problem’ button, then choose ‘Report a bin’ from the drop down menu and follow the instructions which will allow you to pinpoint where the bin is on a map and even upload a photo from your phone.
The information will then be sent straight to our Street Scene team who can investigate and sort the problem. If it is not already due to be emptied, a request will be made for it to be added to the team’s schedule.
Andy Keir, deputy leader and cabinet member for local services, said: “Our Street Scene staff work hard to ensure all our dog waste and general rubbish bins are emptied on a regular basis. However, in some popular dog walking areas they do fill up more quickly and we know it can be unsightly to see a full or overflowing bin.
“That’s why we’ve added this new feature to the My Darlington app, so people can tell us where there is a problem straight away and we can then ensure it is dealt with more quickly.
“Cleaning up after your dog is a legal requirement and we’re currently reminding dog owners and walkers to make sure they pick up after their pets in our Bag It, Bin It initiative. Please do use the dog waste bins provided. If they are full, remember you can use any bin or even your own household bin, and do please let us know using the online form via the app.”
We have around 1,500 monthly active users of the My Darlington app, which can be accessed on a phone, tablet or desktop. It can also be used make payments via a My Darlington account, check out the latest news, take part in consultations and see what’s on in your neighbourhood. The report forms for dog waste bins and general rubbish bins are the latest feature to be added to the app, with more planned in the future.
If you haven’t already got the app you can download it by visiting our website at www.darlington.gov.uk click on the ‘install our app’ button and follow the on-screen instructions.
This work will contribute to the council’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050. This pledge covers all service areas, and the council aims to encourage residents and businesses to join it on the journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. More details are available at: www.darlington.gov.uk/sustainable