SCOTLAND’S recycling centres were mobbed yesterday as many of them opened for the first time in 10 weeks following the easing of lockdown restrictions.
From the far north to the Borders, long delays started to build up from early in the morning, with drivers sitting in queues for more than three miles at some and having to wait for hours to deposit their rubbish.
Lengthy queues for a centre in Bonnybridge stopped traffic getting into the Forth Valley Royal Hospital in nearby Larbert.
Not all dumps were open and the queues came despite local authorities putting measures in place to try to limit the number of people using them.
Some councils took to social media to ask people not to go to their local centres. Inverclyde Council tweeted: “Pottery Street recycling centre in #Greenock re-opened this morning but there are lengthy queues to get in. If you can, please hold on to your waste for a little while longer.”
The Scottish Government said it had been necessary to prioritise the most essential services, and added: “The resilience and innovation within the sector has already allowed for the re-instatement of some suspended recycling services relatively quickly.
“However, we recognise that ongoing prioritisation will be required as local and national circumstances continue to change in the coming weeks and months.”
The facilities are being re-opened in a phased manner and attendance is only by prior appointment at some.
Zero Waste Scotland said: “We recognise that these are particularly challenging times and appreciate everything you are doing to manage your waste and support Scotland’s waste and recycling services.
“Local authorities have been working hard to prioritise key services while following guidance to protect public health during the coronavirus crisis. Where you can, please continue to store items safely at home until full services resume.
“If you need to visit a recycling centre, it is important to plan ahead.
“Before making a trip, we urge you to check your local authority website to find out what recycling centres have re-opened in your area and any restrictions that may be in place including opening hours and materials being accepted.”
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