Recycling centres to open but get set for big queues

SCOTLAND’S tips and recycling centres are bracing themselves for the dumping of record amounts of waste when they finally reopen tomorrow.

The period between Easter and summer is normally their busiest of the year, as the nation’s gardens are trimmed, mowed and pruned for summer.

But with the country in lockdown for the past two-and-a-half months, many households have been storing up huge amounts of waste – including hundreds of tonnes of glass bottles and cardboard – they are now desperate to get rid of. Some local authorities, such as the Scottish Borders, are looking to stagger drop-offs. Cars are only allowed in on alternate days, depending on whether the last digit on their number plate is odd or even. Others are appealing for calm, as long queues are expected to back up from tomorrow.

Adrian Bond, programme manager for recycling at Zero Waste Scotland, said: ‘The busiest period for recycling centres in a normal year is usually between Easter and the school summer holidays.

‘Factoring in disruption to local authority collection services due to coronavirus means we anticipate that there will be substantial volumes of waste that are currently stored and awaiting an outlet, such as recycling centres, to open.’

He added: ‘We ask people to only visit recycling centres if they can’t safely store their waste at home or in their garden any longer. For those who do visit, you are urged to plan ahead – check your local authority website or social media channels so you know which recycling centre to go to and that they will accept the waste you have.’

Councillor Stephen Heddle, Cosla spokesman for the environment and economy, said: ‘We are now carefully reopening recycling centres across the country, from June 1. The health and safety of public and our staff remain paramount in this process.

‘We are grateful to the public for their support so far and are asking for continued patience until all services are fully restored.’