Green light for van and trailer access to Antrim and Newtownabbey recycling sites

However, drivers will have to prove residency in the borough.

Access to the O’Neill Road and Crumlin recycling centres will be by appointment only for a five minute slot to prevent congestion. There are no time restrictions at Bruslee, Newpark, or Craigmore recycling centres.

The measures are part of a phased recovery plan introduced by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. Recycling centres have reopened with restrictions in place due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

DUP Airport Councillor Matthew Magill pointed out that Antrim and Newtownabbey was one of the first councils to reopen its household recycling centres.

Speaking at a remote meeting of the borough council on Tuesday evening, he asked when the facilities would be “fully operational”.

An officer advised the local authority is working on a recommendation to make “all waste streams” available by July 1 subject to individual contractors being “in a position” to work with the organisation.

Cllr Robert Foster thanked council staff for their handling of operations at the recycling centres

Deputy Mayor Cllr Anne Marie Logue commented it has been “very testing times for all our staff”.

Airport SDLP Cllr Thomas Burns said he would like the appointment system at Crumlin recycling centre lifted.

This was supported by Cllr Logue who reported having received a few requests regarding this issue.

However, the officer explained the appointment system was in place due to the size of the Crumlin recycling centre and the need for social distancing.

“We are keeping everything under review but at the minute, for us to comply with social distancing, we can’t change the arrangement at Crumlin.”

Glengormley SDLP Cllr Noreen McClelland also thanked recycling centre staff.

She went on to say: “Fly tipping is still going on and driving us all crazy. Hopefully the measures put in place will alleviate that problem. It really  is a problem for us.”

Cllr Logue noted: “It has been a problem in every area. It is an issue with environmental health.

“Organised gangs are benefiting on the back of Covid. It is important to report it to us, NIEA (Northern Ireland Environmental Agency) and the police.”

Waste electrical equipment will be accepted from June 1. From May 30, closing times will revert to the usual summer closing time of 6.00 pm.

The return of bulky collections is to be considered by the council’s Operations Committee.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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