Covid-19 - Waste collections during the pandemic – your questions answered

Orkney Islands Council has published an online guide to the household waste collection arrangements that will operate during the coronavirus outbreak.

Answers to frequently asked questions can be found here >

Earlier this week, the Council announced the suspension of recycling services – with efforts focused during the pandemic on the collection and disposal of waste.

“This was a difficult but important decision as part of our response to the Covid-19 crisis,” said Darren Richardson, OIC’s Head of Infrastructure and Strategic Projects.

“We’re already operating with a reduced workforce as a result of the Government’s emergency measures to reduce the spread of the virus – and we need to do all we can to keep our staff and the public safe and well.

“We know our recycling services are much valued and will be missed by many people in our community. They will be fully restored when council services return to normal.

“In the meantime, we’ve tried to address many of the questions you’ve been asking about the temporary new arrangements – and will be updating these on the website on a regular basis.

“We are in unprecedented and challenging times and we do apologise for any inconvenience these changes may cause, but this is an unavoidable consequence of needing to be prepared for the impact the pandemic is having on our community.”

The temporary arrangements are:

• Closure of all Household Recycling Centres – Bossack, Hatston, St. Margaret’s Hope, Cursiter and Garson - in line with Government guidance that only essential travel should be undertaken.
• Closure of all Recycling Points (Mainland).
• Closure of Isles recycling points. Please do not use these containers and, if at all possible, store recyclable items at home.
• No bulky waste or special collection service (all areas), but assisted collections will continue.
• No recycling collection service (all areas, domestic and commercial).
• Domestic waste collection (grey bins) to continue on a fortnightly basis on your usual waste collection day. Arrangements are being put in place for residents who do not currently have bins.
• Domestic waste collection (red bags) to continue on a fortnightly basis on your usual waste collection day. If residents run out of red bags, please use standard black bags (widely available from supermarkets and grocery stores) and these will be collected from the kerbside.
• Isles waste collection services will continue but are likely to be affected by changes to ferry timetables. We will endeavour to continue to collect Isles’ waste, but collection days may be subject to short-notice changes.
• Commercial waste collections will continue and existing customers can continue to use the commercial facilities at Chinglebraes and Bossack. Entry to both will be via the weighbridge.
• Litter bins will only be emptied when full. We are encouraging people to take litter and dog waste home with them and dispose of it there.