Update on our Household Waste Recycling Centres

Whilst Scotland slowly eases its way out of lockdown a number of restrictions and requirements, aimed at keeping staff and site users safe, are still in place, impacting on the ways in which we can operate.

We continually review service provision and are gradually recovering services as we are able to, ensuring that safety is paramount at all times.

We are unable to provide the full range of pre-lockdown services at this time but are endeavouring to ensure that we provide an outlet for as many waste streams as possible to the greatest number of people.

All Orkney residents can use the centres in Kirkwall and Stromness, plus the kerbside collection is operating.

Physical distancing requirements do mean that we need to control access to the recycling centres and movement within them.  This means that material streams are currently limited to cardboard, garden waste, bulky household waste and (as of 14 July) household black bag rubbish.  It also means that sites need a staff presence in order to be able to manage any traffic congestion and to ensure that the site is used appropriately.

Whilst these restrictions are in place we are unfortunately unable to re-open the recycling centre at St. Margaret’s Hope.  Residents can, however, continue to make use of the kerbside service and the recycling centre in Kirkwall (or Stromness).

We do appreciate that this disruption to normal service provision is inconvenient and apologise for the interference in routine.

Once restrictions ease and we are able to accept the full range of materials at the Hatston/Garson recycling centres we will be looking at the reopening of sites at St Margaret’s Hope and Cursiter, unfortunately this is not possible at present due to lack of available resources.

For recycling points on the outer isles, we have begun the process of collecting and changing over the containers. This is impacted by ferry availability, but we are hopeful to complete this process during the next few weeks. Given the current situation, at present we cannot offer the same turnaround time as previously experienced, but isles residents will be able to commence recycling again.