Concern over Christmas fly-tipping surge as centre bookings set to remain till January
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Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has raised concerns over a surge in fly-tipping at Christmas after it was revealed a decision on scrapping recycling centre bookings in Aberdeenshire won’t be made until January.
Around 4000 residents took part in a consultation on whether changes should be made to the current system where users must book slots to use recycling facilities across the region.
The council has now confirmed the data and comments from the survey, which closed on October 17, will be presented to the environment and infrastructure services committee for discussion on January 20.
David Duguid, who has written the council calling for bookings to be scrapped, has expressed concerns that waiting until next year for a decision could lead to a further rise in fly-tipping over the festive season.
The Conservative MP said: “I’m extremely frustrated that officers are leaving it until January to present the findings of the consultation to councillors.
“We have already noticed a rise in fly-tipping across Aberdeenshire in recent months and I’m concerned leaving this system in place over Christmas will escalate incidents to uncontrollable levels.
“Residents now have to wait until January at the earliest for changes to be made – 18 months after the booking system was first introduced.
“There has been a reduction in footfall since then and while I completely understood the need for it when it was introduced in June 2020, recycling centres should now be fully operational without any limitations.
“We must all play our part in supporting the environment and I would encourage everyone to use their recycling centres.”
In a statement posted on social media, Aberdeenshire's Waste service said: "We would like to thank all the residents who completed our recent survey into our household recycling centre systems.
"Officers are now evaluating all the data and comments which will be presented to our Environment and Infrastructure Services Committee for discussion in January.
"The changes we introduced at HRCs in August were well received and actually covered many of the issues raised.
"Just as a reminder, the following changes are now in force:
◾️ Cars and mobility adapted vehicles (i.e., any vehicle that has been adapted to suit the needs of individuals with disabilities) now has unlimited access to the sites, but will still be required to book a slot,
◾️ The number of visits permitted for domestic-style pick-ups is now unlimited, unless they are using a trailer,
◾️ The maximum size of admissible trailers is now 10 feet (3 metres),
◾️ Car-derived van and trailer combinations are now be permitted at all centres,
For more information on our household recycling centres, visit: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/waste/recycling/
