The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Recycling ban on electricals after fatal fire
Angus Council is asking residents not to bring fridges, freezers or small electricals to its recycling centres after an explosion and fatal fire in Perth.
The local authority joins Aberdeen City Council in suspending the collection of these items.
The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire has not been confirmed, but a joint probe by police and fire investigators is under way.
One fire appliance remained at the scene yesterday more than 36 hours after the fire was reported.
Residents are being asked not to bring electrics to recycling centres or arrange bulky uplifts due to capacity issues.
A statement from Angus Council says its centres are currently at or near capacity. Aberdeen City Council has also suspended collection of these items.
It said: “Due to the fire and tragic events at Shore Recycling in Perth yesterday, recycling of small electrical items and fridges and freezers will be temporarily affected.
“Do not bring these items to our household waste recycling centres or request a special uplift for these, for the time being, whilst we manage capacity at our sites.”
Both Dundee City and Perth and Kinross councils say they are considering their options and will announce any changes to residents.
Simon Young, Fife Council’s service manager, said: “We currently have arrangements in place that will allow us to continue accepting waste electrical items at present.
“If the situation changes, we’ll let the public know as soon as possible.”
Shore Recycling Centre, which is currently closed, is the only facility in Scotland capable of recycling fridges.
The company deals with an average of 225,000 units a year and in 2021 celebrated recycling five million fridges.
A majority of Scottish councils signed up to use the facility when it opened in 2001.
Prior to Shore Recycling Centre opening, there had been a nationwide pile up of fridges due to a change in the law around the management of CFCS gases – non-toxic gas used in coolants.
Angus Council says it was due to have a pick-up of items this week, and the closure leaves its facilities “at or near capacity”.
It is not known how long the plant at Friarton Bridge Park could be closed or the potential impact.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) refused to confirm whether national guidance had been issued to local authorities as a result of the fire.
A spokeswoman said: “Sepa officers are working closely with partner agencies and were on site with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to monitor the situation.
“An investigation is under way, and we will be unable to comment further until this is concluded.”