As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic Moray Council decided to cancel the collection of recycled waste and close all local recycling centres across Moray. While they continue to collect general and garden waste local people have begun to raise concerns about recyclables being left uncollected.
Moray MP Douglas Ross has asked the council to now re-evaluate this decision in light of the fly-tipping that is becoming a significant issue across Moray and the concerns that have been raised with him by local residents. The MP for Moray believes some collections could be re-introduced while still prioritising the safety of Moray Council employees.
Commenting Douglas said “My top concern is of course the health and safety of everyone and in this case we have to consider the wellbeing of the refuse collectors who are essential workers. However Moray Council have managed to come up with a plan whereby these employees can safely collect the waste from our green and brown bins, whilst practising social distancing, so I’m asking the council to consider a similar plan for the collection of our recycled goods.
“I’m concerned by the increased incidents of fly tipping being highlighted to me already, with the bins in most laybys across Moray now full of household waste and other junk dumped alongside them as domestic bins are now full.
“I’m sure that there is a way in which we could collect the recycled goods safely whilst adhering to all the Covid-19 regulations keeping our refuse collectors safe to continue their vital role. These are difficult and unprecedented times, but we also have to think about other aspects of our environment and whilst I understand the initial move by Moray Council, I think the time has come to revisit that decision and look at what can be done to get our recycling services back up and running.”