MSP: East Dunbartonshire recycling centres must be reopened safely

Responding to concerns highlighted by the Herald around a huge increase in fly tipping as a result of their closure during lockdown, Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer said: “The Scottish Government has committed to issuing guidance to local councils, it must do so urgently to ensure that East Dunbartonshire’s recycling centres can be opened as safely as possible.

“There’s been a huge increase in fly tipping across the country in recent weeks and reopening these centres should help to reduce this problem. Larger items like furniture and electrical goods can’t be recycled through council bin collections, so it’s important that people are patient. It’s easier to have patience when you have an idea of how long you’ll be waiting for recycling centres to reopen though.

“There’ll likely be a huge rush to these centres as lockdown is eased and it’s vital that this is managed safely. The Council will also need to speak to the trade unions ahead of any reopening. Workers must have confidence that their work environment will be safe and that they can raise concerns which will be addressed before they are expected to return to work.”