Coronavirus in Moray: Bin worries voiced
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Some residents are calling on Moray Council to either reopen its recycling centres or put out a call for volunteers to help with bin collections.
Heather Eddie, who lives in Munro Way, Buckie, says the green bins on her street were left uncollected on Friday, March 27.
With the next green bin collection not due until Friday, April 17, and the weather heating up, she is worried about the possible consequences.
The shopkeeper is in lockdown along with four other people in her home – her husband, daughter and two small grandchildren.
She said: "The council needs to open the recycling centres before things become any more unhygienic.
"If people fall ill it's only going to put more pressure on the NHS.
"They could let one car in at a time so everyone could keep social distancing. I'd volunteer to marshal the Buckie centre myself.
"Failing that, the council could ask for volunteers to help empty the bins.
"Everyone else is asking for volunteers. Why can't Moray Council?"
The local authority stated on Monday this week that its refuse collection system is "under constant review" at the moment.
The council asked for understanding and cooperation from the public, but added it would not be opening recycling centres in the short-term.
A spokesperson said: "Opening them will lead to more unnecessary journeys and disrupt the required social distancing measures.
A spokesman added: "In accordance with government advice, a number of the council’s waste teams were required to self-isolate for an initial two-week period to cut the risk of cross-infection.
"Thereafter, working arrangements to ensure social distancing needed to be implemented.
"These include separate vehicles instead of crews in a single cab.
"Currently, bin lorries have two staff in the cab and a small van following with a third team member to maintain the social distance required.
"As we all know, this is a fast-moving situation and the council is endeavouring to provide as many vital services as possible as well as the extra duties required of our teams during this crisis.
"As soon as it is possible and safe to do so the council will be re-instating its normal waste and recycling service."
Collection of recycling bins was suspended on March 30.
Only green and brown bins are currently being picked up.
Households are asked to put these out by 7.30am at the latest.
More news from Moray here
