More materials to be accepted at household waste recycling centres
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The reopening of Highland Council's household waste recycling centres will move to the next stage on Monday, June 15.
It follows the successful reopening of most centres across the region – including those at Thurso and Wick – less than two weeks ago.
The range of materials that householders are permitted to take to the sites will be expanded to include electrical appliances and cardboard, as well as bagged household waste and garden waste.
The waste recycling centres are open for essential waste disposal only – the council says journeys to one of the sites must only be undertaken if the waste cannot be stored at home safely.
Electrical appliances include large and small items such as white goods, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, TVs/monitors and hairdryers. Householders are advised to flatten cardboard before visiting the site and to remove polystyrene and plastic packaging as this cannot be recycled.
Cars and small non-commercial 4x4 vehicles only are allowed entry in this phase, which will enable as many people as possible to pass through the sites and help to ensure that they continue to operate smoothly and safely. Vans and trailers are not permitted at this stage.
Householders are urged to visit the council’s website for frequently asked questions and what to expect when visiting a recycling centre.
Only one person is allowed out of the vehicle, unless it is absolutely necessary for a second person to assist with lifting and handling heavier items such as white goods. Site staff are unable to assist with handling waste, so householders should only bring waste they can carry and empty into the containers.
Councillor Allan Henderson, chairman of Highland Council’s communities and place committee, said: “I am delighted we are able to move to the next step and increase the range of items we can accept so quickly after reopening the sites at the beginning of June.
"This is testament to the goodwill and co-operation of the Highland public for adhering to advice and guidance provided as well as the hard work from the council staff operating these busy sites. With electrical appliances and cardboard being added to the list of items accepted, along with bagged household waste and garden waste, this provides more opportunities for items to be recycled.
“The number of household waste recycling centres open across the region for essential waste disposal now stands at 16, with hundreds of visits already being made by the public who were needing to dispose of waste.
"Waiting times at the all the sites have been kept to a minimum despite the strict controls that are in place to ensure social distancing is observed. I am pleased to say that the high visitor numbers have been managed safely and in a controlled manner.”
Householders are advised to check the website for opening hours and restrictions.
Traffic management systems will continue to be in operation in the surrounding area of a recycling centre where necessary. Staff will be also in place at the entrance to each site to speak to visitors and advise on waiting times and procedures.
Several of the council's smaller sites remain temporarily closed due to concerns about how suitable social distancing measures can be implemented.
To help reduce the spread of coronavirus, site staff are adopting robust hygiene standards. Householders should wash their hands before and after visiting a centre. People are asked to observe social distancing and stay two metres apart from staff and other site users.
Householders should not visit a site if they are showing symptoms of the virus.
Batteries, lamps and light bulbs are not accepted at the present time – these should be safely stored at home.
