Fife recycling centres are preparing to reopen

Fife’s recycling centres could start to reopen in the next few weeks – as long as scientific medical evidence indicates it is safe to do so.

That’s the message from Fife Council following a meeting of COSLA on Friday when council leaders from Scotland’s 32 local authorities agreed on a reopening date of June 1 provided restrictions were in place to maintain physical distancing and there were assurances that reopening would not negatively impact the Covid-19 infection rate.

The plan would also follow travel guidance from the Scottish Government.

Councils across the country have been reporting an increase in fly-tipping after recycling sites were closed in March due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Ross Vettraino, convenor of Fife Council’s environment and protective services committee, has confirmed that preparations are being made to allow for some of the Kingdom’s 11 facilities to re-open with social distancing and traffic management systems in place to protect staff and members of the public.

He said: “Arrangements are in place to re-open some of Fife’s Recycling Centres, as soon as the Scottish Government advises that the scientific medical evidence indicates that it is safe to do so.

“The council understands that these are extremely challenging times for very many people, but the council’s top priority is to ensure that both the community at large and the council’s staff are kept safe.

“Accordingly, 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 re-opening of some of the council’s recycling centres, as soon as the scientific advice is that it is safe to do so.

“The council will continue to work in partnership with the Scottish Government and other local authorities with a view to ensuring that plans are consistent with the latest guidelines and the approach is consistent throughout Scotland.”

Cllr Vettraino added that the council’s web pages, social media and local press will be updated once re-opening dates are confirmed, however the re-opening of the first phase of Recycling Centres is expected “within the next two to three weeks”.

He said: “Until then, the community is requested to continue to use the kerbside recycling service for as much household waste as possible.

“Fife Council is currently picking up all household kerbside waste and recycling bins, and the community Recycling Point network continues to be serviced”.

Fifers are reminded to check the online bin collection calendar on the Fife Council website every Sunday for any changes to their collections that week.

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