COUNCILS can decide whether or not to open recycling centres, the Environment Minister has said.
Edwin Poots was Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme and said his department had provided councils with guidelines drawn up by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA).
Earlier this month, discussion of the issue was sparked after Mid and East Antrim Borough Council reopened its centres.
Last Friday the Stormont Executive announced that cemeteries which were also shut over the Coronavirus could reopen with social distancinv in place.
Derry City and Strabane District Council revealed that last weekend around 7,000 people visited cemeteries after the lockdown was lifted.
There has been an increase in fly tipping across Derry which has been blamed on recycling centres remaining shut.
Said Minister Poots: “We are not telling councils what to do or what they should be doing, that is for councils to make those decisions themselves.”
Mr Poots said councils could decide to open recycling centres in circumstances where they could ensure the health and safety of the public.
“We have to consider that we have many people living in properties with very little space,” he said.
“We have families living in properties with very little space and if there is waste in the backyard or garden it can be something that attracts vermin or rats.
“That is something that can damage the public health as well.”
There are no plans by Derry City and Strabane District Council to reopen its recycling centres.
In its update on Monday, April 27 about its service provisions, the Council said: “All 11 Council recycling centres remain CLOSED to the public.
“The public are strongly advised that as per the Government COVID 19 legislation they should NOT be making non-essential journeys and should be staying at home.
“Please use your blue, black and brown bins as appropriate and to separate waste as usual according to recycling guidelines and dispose of waste responsibly.
“Members of the public are urged to be cautious when employing third party private companies to dispose of their waste.
“When making a booking please check where the waste is being disposed as all Household recycling centres remain closed, and you, the householder will be responsible and could face a fine if your details are found in any waste that is disposed of illegally.
“Fly-tipping is an issue for Council and our enforcement team are on the ground actively investigating all incidents of fly-tipping.
“It is an offence to dump indiscriminately and you could face a Fixed Penalty Notice or a fine imposed by the court.
“Protecting our environment and keeping our streets, laneways and greenways clean are still a priority and everyone has their role to play.”
For more information visit – www.derrystrabane.com/recycling
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