Plea for recycling centres clarity

A call for more clarity on recycling centre opening in Fife has been made.

Household waste recycling centres are expected to reopen across Scotland on June 1, according to the local government body Cosla, amid concerns about an increase in fly-tipping.

Restrictions to maintain physical distancing for staff and members of the public will be put in place.

Fife Council environment spokesman Andy Heer, Conservative, said the ongoing uncertainty is “perplexing and frustrating”.

“I have been told that there will be an online booking system to prevent queues of vehicles and that there will be police on duty to control traffic and to protect staff from abuse.

“I am also told that due to space constraints the centres will only be able to accept certain types of waste and staff will not be allowed to assist the public so no one should expect help with heavy or awkward objects.”

Councillor Ross Vettraino, convener of environment and protective services, said arrangements are in place to reopen some of the region’s recycling centres as soon as the Scottish Government allows it.

“Council officers, in conjunction with Police Scotland and the trades union and staff have developed plans which secure social distancing and traffic management, to enable the safe reopening of some of the council’s recycling centres, as soon as the scientific advice is that it is safe to do so,” he said.