Introduction of new weekly collections delayed
The new weekly recycling services for East Lothian households due to start from 20 September has had to be delayed due to a combination of external factors.
Environment spokesperson, Cllr Norman Hampshire, said: “Unfortunately there has been a further delay to the delivery of the new weighted bags to be used in our household recycling collections. The shipping containers are currently being held at the port in Felixstowe and the full consignment will not be delivered to East Lothian Council until the middle of October. In order to ensure a smooth transition from the current fortnightly alternating collections to all recyclables being collected on the same day each week we have had to unfortunately delay the introduction of the new service.”
“This is extremely disappointing and frustrating and has resulted from twin impacts of Brexit-related delays with shipping deliveries and driver shortages and ongoing Covid restrictions. A letter is being sent out to all households across East Lothian advising residents to continue to present their recycling separated in the blue and green boxes and on their old collection scheduled dates until the new service starts from Monday 15 November.
“Whilst the council will be advising this delay to a wide range of local stakeholders including Community Councils, Residents and Tenants Groups and sharing with local media we would also be grateful if people could look out for their neighbours who may not access social media to make sure recycling containers aren’t presented on the wrong days. I would also like to express my personal thanks to residents for their patience during these challenges which are outwith the Council’s control and assure them of the continued commitment of the Council to provide recycling services that exceed national requirements.”
Households should continue to present their recyclable material as previously:
- Blue box – for paper, card and cardboard.
- Green or black box – for plastics, metals and glass.
- Outdoor silver caddy – for food waste.
Please do not present cartons or household batteries until the new service starts.
The new weighted bags are expected to be delivered to homes towards late October.