Residents reminded to book ahead as Edinburgh's waste and recycling centres reopen

RESIDENTS heading to the dump to get rid of weeks’ worth of waste have been urged to remember that an appointment is needed.

Edinburgh’s three council-run household waste and recycling centres at Seafield, Sighthill and Craigmillar reopen today after being closed since the start of lockdown.

But to minimise crowding and help staff and customers maintain physical distancing, the centres will operate on an appointment-only basis.

Time slots can be booked online but they will be limited to one per household for the first two weeks of reopening.

For an initial period, only cars will be allowed on-site, no vans or trailers, and staff will not be able to help unload vehicles so the council has urged people only to take what they can carry.

Anyone without an appointment will not be permitted to enter recycling centres. Traffic management will be in place and Seafield will temporarily revert to the old entrance on Fillyside Road for the first three weeks.

Special uplifts also resume today. Bookings for the collection of bulky can be made online, with a maximum of five items per household.

Council leader Adam McVey said: “It’s likely recycling centres will be extremely busy at the beginning, so please only visit if you are unable to continue storing your waste safely at home and ensure you book an arrival slot if you are coming.

“It’s essential that we look after the health of all those who work in and visit our centres, and there will be changes to the way they operate for the foreseeable future to allow us to do this.

“I’m grateful to residents for their patience and I’d like to thank them for holding on to any bulky items, and those who continue to do so during the initial busy period.”