Phased re-opening of Bossack under way

With the grass-cutting season upon us, the Council is pleased to announce the phased re-opening of the Bossack Household Waste Recycling Centre on Tuesday 11 May.

Initially, the site will only be accepting garden waste and while the opening days remain the same as pre-COVID-19, the opening hours will be restricted slightly to 9am-12 noon and 1pm-4pm (last entry 3.45pm) on Tuesdays to Fridays.

In line with Government restrictions there will be traffic management controls on site to ensure physical distancing.

The Council acknowledges that the phased re-opening may be frustrating for some, but there is a reason for restricted materials being accepted at this time. Garden waste is treated on site at Bossack and so does not require onward transport for treatment. Therefore, this does not increase the demand for Council HGV drivers and so is not impacted by the current constraints associated with the number of available drivers. It is hoped, however, that additional materials will be added over time.

Unfortunately, it will not be possible for the collection of treated garden waste (soil conditioner) at this stage as that section of the site will require to be used for collection purposes – again this is due to ensuring COVID restrictions are met.

Chair of the Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Graham Sinclair, said: “Hopefully, as we leave the wintry weather behind us and enter more spring, dare I say it, summer like weather and cutting the grass becomes a reality, this will assist the folks in the East Mainland and help alleviate the pressure at Hatston HWRC.

“Having Bossack up and running – even on a limited basis - only leaves local Recycling Points still closed. The re-opening of those is wholly dependent on HGV driver availability in order to service the skips. The Waste Team continue to look for efficiencies and other opportunities and will endeavour to recover these services as soon as is possible.”

In addition, the resumption of household special collections on the Mainland is dependent on the availability of drivers and so remain suspended. Again, as efforts are made to enhance driver availability, the recovery of these services will be programmed in.

Councillor Sinclair added: “The vast majority of services are now available – albeit folk still have to follow the national guidelines and COVID-19 restrictions, which means that there are limitations. The Waste Team are working hard on a plan for the full operation of the HWRCs and a return to standard summer opening hours but the details of that are still being worked out. As soon as this is likely to happen, an announcement will be made.”

As has been the case for some time now if you have normal household waste and recycling to dispose of you can go to one of two sites in the Mainland of Orkney, at the Garson Industrial Estate in Stromness or the Hatston Industrial Estate, Kirkwall. The vast majority of materials are being accepted.

If you have only recyclable waste to take, then in addition to the two sites above the Recycling Centres at St Margaret’s Hope and Cursiter Quarry in Firth are also available. Both are accepting a wide range of recyclable materials.

As ever, we thank you for your patience and understanding as the Waste Team work to meet all guidance and restrictions in line with providing an enhanced service.