A local MSP is backing calls for the Scottish Government to support councils to start planning how to reopen local recycling centres. Brian Whittle MSP believes local authority bosses should prioritise getting the centres open again as more and more episodes of fly tipping frustrate local communities and landowners.
Recycling centres were shut and bin collections reduced as part of measures to prevent the spread of covid-19 but, as waste collections return to normal, there are growing calls for recycling centres to be reopened to help clear the backlog. UK Government Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has also indicated that recycling centres elsewhere in the UK could be open again in the coming weeks.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“It was the right decision to close recycling centres at the start of the coronavirus outbreak to protect core services. Disappointingly, as time has gone on, there are more and more reports of fly tipping across the area.
Fly tipping isn’t just against the law, it can damage the environment, harm wildlife, attract vermin and be a hazard to the public and council staff who have to clear it. Despite the hard work of council staff, it’s increasingly clear that household waste collection alone isn’t enough to manage all the waste people are generating.
Protecting staff and the public and controlling the spread of covid-19 must remain a top priority, but options such as pre-booked appointments or a one in, one out system for waste drop offs are worth exploring.
I don’t want to see everyone suddenly rushing to the skips if they reopen but, as we start to look at relaxing lockdown measures, a managed reopening of recycling centres should be an early part of the discussion.”
