New law could see Coleraine recycling centre host 'surrender bin' for weapons like zombie knives and machetes
A Council recycling centre in Coleraine could host a ‘community surrender bin’ for collecting offensive weapons such as zombie knives, ninja swords or machetes, if a new law is passed.
As part of the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, the Department of Justice (NI) plans to make the private possession of a range of offensive weapons illegal. The possession of these items in a public place is already an offence.
Currently, if police find an offensive weapon such as zombie knife, zombie-style knife, machete, cyclone knife or a ninja sword in a private place, for example in someone’s home, they can only take action and remove the item if it is considered to be evidence in a criminal investigation.
If passed, the proposed Offensive Weapons Act 2019 will make possession alone an offence, empowering police to seize such items and consider referral to the prosecution authorities.
If the law changes to ban items that were previously legal to own, the Department of Justice (DOJ) NI says that owners should be provided with a safe and legal way of disposing of these items before they become illegal.
The DOJ has now requested that councils provide locations for ‘Community Surrender Bins’ at selected Household Recycling Centres – and it is this request which will be debated by the Environmental Services Committee of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on November 10.
A report sent to committee members ahead of the meeting said: “It is proposed that a specially designed wheelie bin is located at Coleraine Household Recycling Centre.
"Recycling Centre staff would have a very limited role except for signposting the location of the bin to the public. There will be no additional cost to council.
"If approved, it is envisaged that the Community Surrender Bin would be in situ for three months. While there have been no similar schemes in the life of this council, legacy councils did previously participate in initiatives to remove dangerous objects.
"It is recommended that Committee recommends that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council participate in the Offensive Weapon Surrender Scheme by installing a Community Surrender Bin at Coleraine Household Recycling Centre for a period of three months”