How Aberdeen City Council is planning to re-open household waste and recycling centres

21 May 2020

Detailed plans are being drawn up by Aberdeen City Council and its waste contractor SUEZ recycling and recovery UK to agree how household waste and recycling centres can re-open safely.

The Scottish Government are adding visits to HWRCs to its list of places considered to be essential journeys and they are due to re-open across the country from 1 June.

They were closed following the introduction of Government restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus and visiting them was not on the list of essential journeys and therefore was not considered to be a reasonable excuse to leave home.

With the change of the inclusion of HWRCs in the essential journeys list, Aberdeen City Council waste and recycling officers and SUEZ staff are currently working up detailed plans how they can re-open while be safe for the public and staff, and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Some changes will be necessary to maintain safety and maintain physical distancing and these will likely include changed or reduced opening hours, restrictions on type or volume of materials accepted at sites, and traffic restrictions.

More updates will be provided closer to the time and residents should check the website www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/covid19 before travelling to a centre when they are open.

Aberdeen City Council operational delivery convener Councillor John Wheeler said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s change in the essential journeys list to allow our household waste and recycling centres to re-open.

“Residents should be aware there will be restrictions so we can allow for safe working practices for users and staff, and to ensure social distancing guidelines are met.”

Residents are reminded that should only visit a HWRC if it is essential. Large items and excess waste should continue to be stored safely at home if possible.