Mess sparks calls to open recycling
Four 20 litre empty oil drums dumped
The Scottish Government is under pressure to reopen recycling in Perth and Kinross after a spate of flytipping over the weekend.
Liz Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said she had received eight reports over the weekend in Perth and Kinross and Fife.
Scottish Land and Estates also reported this week that four 20 litre empty oil drums had been dumped in Perth and Kinross.
Ms Smith has now written to the to environment minister and MSP for South Perthshire and Kinrossshire Roseanna Cunningham, to ask for action to be taken to address the problem.
The PA reported last month that the lockdown had seen a spike in fly-tipping incidents, with recycling centres not considered essential ,despite folk spending more time at home and many taking on DIY projects.
Ms Smith wants the Scottish Government and COSLA to come to an arrangement that will see the centres reopen.
The Conservative MSP said: “Flytipping is a blight on our countryside and I was alarmed when I received reports that there were at least eight separate incidents of fly-tipping in my constituency over the weekend – this is appalling.
“All recycling centres remain closed because of the Scottish Government’s policy that travel to them does not constitute an essential journey. This, combined with councils suspending some services, is increasing the temptation to dump rubbish on the countryside.”
Carse of Gowrie Counservative councillor Angus Forbes, said the government should hand funds to councils to help them deal with the issue, if it refuses to allow the centres to re-open.
He said: “Fly-tipping is a scourge on our communities and there is no doubt in my mind that the recent increase is linked to the closure of the recycling centres.
“As the Scottish Government are not allowing them to be reopened at the moment, it’s my view that they should be offering specific funding to councils to allow them to fund the clear up of the additional dumped waste.”
Green MSP Mark Ruskell has also called on the centres to be reopened.
But he said there must be clear guidance to keep people safe when they visit a centre.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “Local authorities are responsible for local waste services including kerbside collections and the operation of recycling centres.
“Councils need to consider several factors before restarting services, including how to operate safely, ensure physical distancing is maintained and discourage the public from making unnecessary journeys.
“While those maintaining essential waste services in Scotland work hard in difficult circumstances, no one should be fly-tipping. It is illegal, dangerous and unnecessary. Now is not the time to try and get rid of large items.
“We are working closely with COSLA and local authorities on the development of a wider position statement regarding the prioritisation of waste services and are also discussing what further guidance and practical steps on recycling centres may be required.”