Reintroduction of materials at household waste recycling centres in the Highlands
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Most household waste recycling centres in the Highlands are set to accept a broader range of materials from today as coronvirus restrictions ease.
Materials which are being reintroduced include textiles, glass bottles and jars, engine oil, plasterboard, soil and rubble.
Previously, they had been temporarily restricted but their reintroduction has been made possible after the Scottish Government replaced its Stay At Home requirement with a Stay Local message.
Highland Council is advising the public that waste from householder’s own construction and demolition activities, such as small-scale DIY tasks, will only be permitted in cars and will be limited to one visit per day.
Construction and demolition waste includes soil, rubble, plasterboard, kitchen units, bathroom suites, doors and other similar waste from small scale DIY activities.
The majority of recycling centres have separate skips for plasterboard and soil/rubble and householders are advised to separate their waste before they arrive at the site.
Visit the council’s website www.highland.gov.uk/recyclingcentres to check for opening hours and materials accepted.
The public are reminded that no commercial waste is accepted at household waste recycling centres. Construction and demolition waste generated by builders and associated trades is not permitted in any vehicle.
Vans (under 3.5 tonnes maximum gross weight) and trailers are permitted into the centres with bulky household items but there is a requirement to pre-book at many sites.
Coronavirus controls will remain in place on sites, including a limit on the of number of vehicles on site at any time. 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 with visitors and advise on waiting times and procedures on site.
To help reduce the spread of coronavirus, site staff will be adopting robust hygiene standards.
Householders should wash their hands before and after visiting a recycling centre and should observe social distancing. Householders are reminded not to visit a recycling centre if they are showing symptoms of coronavirus.
Alternative disposal options for construction and demolition waste include:
The council’s bulky uplift service accepts a wide range of items including some DIY waste. Visit www.highland.gov.uk or call 01349 886603 for more information and to arrange a bulky waste collection from your home (this service will incur a charge).
The council’s landfill sites and waste transfer stations accept construction and demolition waste where a charge will be applied. This is only available in Badenoch and Strathspey, Caithness, Sutherland, Skye and Wester Ross.
The council operates a skip hire service in Sutherland, Skye and Lochalsh (this service will incur a charge). Call 01349 886603 to arrange a skip hire.
Private waste management contractors offer skip hire services across many parts of Highland and some offer waste transfer facilities. The waste management contractor will charge for any services provided.
Related story: Recycling centre opening hours extended
