Councillor calls for more ‘flexible’ service at Fife recycling centres

East Neuk councillor Linda Holt highlighted that six out of the nine recycling centres, which have been operating since Fife Council reopened them, have shown a booking rate of under 50 per cent.

Councillor Holt described the system as “cumbersome”.

She noted that users have to book a ten minute slot, print out their booking and bring ID with them, and said Fifers, who do not have access to the internet, can not make an appointment at the centres.

“Under these conditions, six out of nine recycling sites show a booking rate of under 50 per cent,” she said.

“It is disappointing that the only response to this deplorable level of uptake is for Fife Resource Solutions (the site operators) to partially close one facility in order to partially reopen an additional one.

“Given this approach, there is a fear that post-Covid such low uptake figures could be used as an argument to justify restricting services at some recyling sites permanently, or closing some altogether.

“Despite not having the lowest rate at Pittenweem, East Neukers are being punished by having their centre closed for two days so Cupar can reopen for two days.

“If Fife Council really wants to address the growing problem of fly-tipping, it should be putting the needs of Fifers first.”

Robin Baird, chief operating officer at Fife Resource Solutions, said the success of the booking system had allowed almost all the recycling centres to reopen.

He added: “The booking system is working well, and people are getting through our sites quickly, whilst social distancing and safely disposing of waste.

“I urge Fifers to keep going in this way and, hopefully, we can continue to avoid long queues and any issues as our centres reopen safely.”

Cllr Ross Vettraino, convenor of the environment and protective services committee, said he was “at a loss to see how anyone could conclude that the council isn’t offering Fifers the service that they need”.

He also noted that kerbside waste collection services were operating, and that recycling points and recycling centres are open.

He added: “It is true that those who do not have access to the internet cannot directly make an appointment.

“In my part of the world, however, all of those who are so temporarily disadvantaged, have family, friends, neighbours or a councillor, who will book a slot for them.”