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Gail Ross calls for community to help tackle fly-tipping


By Alan Hendry

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North MSP Gail Ross is asking for the support of the community to crack down on illegal fly-tipping during the coronavirus lockdown.

Councils across Scotland have temporarily closed waste and recycling centres to help them prioritise the collection of general refuse and protect public health – a course of action described as "necessary" by the not-for-profit environmental organisation Zero Waste Scotland.

However, while those maintaining essential waste services in Scotland are working hard in difficult circumstances, reports of fly-tipping in some parts of the country have been increasing.

Mrs Ross is asking residents in her Caithness, Sutherland and Ross constituency to keep an eye out and report anyone dumping rubbish illegally to the Dumb Dumpers web page.

Responsibility for recycling centres lies with councils but the Scottish Government is working with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and its partners on the prioritisation of waste services and on what further practical steps may be required on recycling centres.

The Highland Council waste recycling centre in Wick is among those across the region that are closed temporarily.
The Highland Council waste recycling centre in Wick is among those across the region that are closed temporarily.

The SNP MSP has also echoed calls from Zero Waste Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency for members of the public to act responsibly with their waste until recycling centres reopen – stressing that now is not the time for large-scale clear-outs.

“This is a difficult time for all of us, but we owe a huge thank-you to those in the waste industry who are working to keep as many services running as possible," Mrs Ross said.

“The safety of these workers and the general public has to be the priority, and councils also need to consider staffing shortages and physical distancing before our local recycling centres can reopen.

“While these workers do their best for us, it’s important that we continue to do what we can to help them by pitching in to crack down on illegal fly-tippers in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.

“Now more than ever, we also have to responsibility for managing our waste during this period. That means keeping larger items at home until the centres reopen.”

Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Refuse collectors are working in exceptional conditions to maintain as many essential services as they can. Now is a good time to avoid wasting so much as this is ultimately the best way to help councils cope.

“Zero Waste Scotland is working with key partners to communicate changes to householders and businesses in Scotland in the meantime. We’d encourage everyone to visit the campaign website to find out how they can best manage their waste.”


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