For immediate release:

MSP’S PLEA TO ACT RESPONSIBLY WITH HOUSEHOLD WASTE & REPORT DUMPERS

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has called on the support of the local community to crackdown on illegal fly tipping in the area during lockdown.

Councils across Scotland have temporarily closed waste and recycling centres to help them prioritise the collection of general refuse and protect public health during the coronavirus outbreak – a course of action described as ‘necessary’ by Zero Waste Scotland.

However, while those maintaining essential waste services in Scotland work hard in difficult circumstances, reports of fly tipping across the country have increased. This has led to calls for local residents to keep a watchful eye out and report anyone dumping rubbish illegally to the ‘Dumb Dumpers’ website online.

Responsibility for recycling centres lies with councils, often in conjunction with private firms as is the case in South Lanarkshire, and the Scottish Government is working closely with local authorities on the prioritisation of waste services and on what further guidance and practical steps may be required on recycling centres.

Clare Haughey MSP has also echoed calls from Zero Waste Scotland and SEPA for the public to act responsibly with their waste until recycling centres re-open.

Commenting, the local MSP said:

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

“While it’s not ideal that the Eastfield Waste and Recycling Centre is temporarily closed, the safety of these workers and the general public has to be the priority.

“South Lanarkshire Council has been experiencing substantial staffing shortages, which I understand to be around one third of the waste and recycling workforce, therefore this, and social distancing practicalities, will require serious ongoing consideration before our local recycling centres can re-open.

“Our council staff are continuing to do their best for us in difficult circumstances, so in the meantime, it’s important that we help them by pitching in to crack down on illegal fly tippers and being responsible with our waste.”

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.”

ENDS

Notes:

Report Dumb Dumpers online here: https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/DumbDumpers

For further information on manage waste during lockdown please visit – managingourwaste.scot

Date published: 12th May 2020