Today, Moray council has reintroduced recycling collections across Moray after facing scrutiny from senior Conservatives over how collections will be undertaken in the ‘new normal’ of Covid-19. Collections will resume on a three weekly cycle at the same time as the Green bins. Brown bins will continue to be collected as normal. Glass cannot be collected currently, but additional capacity alongside current recycling points will be placed at major supermarkets throughout Moray.
Commenting Moray MP Douglas Ross said “Many local people contacted me about the majority of recycling not being collected in Moray with particular concerns over an increase in fly-tipping across the area. I have been in ongoing discussion with Moray Council about this issue and I’m pleased that they have swiftly acted on these concerns and most recycling collections will resume, whilst all necessary precautions will be taken to adhere to all the Covid-19 regulations regarding social distancing. Our refuse collectors do an excellent job in all kinds of weather and I pay tribute to them for their ongoing efforts and willingness to get the job done.
“Whilst this is not a return to the full service, the Conservative group and I will continue to liaise with Moray council over future arrangements but this is a positive step forward."
Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Tim Eagle said “I have been asking about how we will bring back recycling in the executive meetings for a couple of weeks now. The initial decision was taken based on a large number of staff absences and as we adjusted to life during lockdown. Whilst the new arrangements are tight in terms of staff capacity the council have been able to put in place the collection of recycling at the same time as Green bin collection which is on a three week cycle."
Councillor Donald Gatt who was also involved in ongoing discussions with Moray Council said “At this point it is not possible to collect glass as we try to ensure the structure is as resiliant as possible during period of high staff absence however we already have 22 recycling points across Moray and additional points will be placed at major supermarkets to allow for disposal of glass with users asked to ensure they do that whilst following social distancing rules.”