Temporary waste disposal facility for Castlederg

In consideration of Government guidance, the Killen Recycling Centre does not meet the criteria to accommodate social distancing measures and is currently unable to reopen.

To assist users of this facility, a temporary waste facility has been put into place at Spamount Playing Fields in Castlederg to dispose of their waste on a weekly basis commencing next Tuesday 09 and Thursday 11 June.

A number of large Council vehicles will be located at the site from 9 am to 4pm every Tuesday and Thursday to accept general and green waste only.

Those wishing to dispose of larger items of waste are encouraged to use Council recycling centres at Newtownstewart and Strahans Road, Strabane, or to avail of Council’s free Bulky Waste Collection Service that can be booked online at www.derrystrabane.com/bulkywaste

The public are advised that in keeping with the Government regulations a queuing system will be in place and pedestrians will not be permitted on the site.

Following the decision to temporary close the Glendermott Road site yesterday, officials are currently looking at a number of options in consultation with the HSE to reopen the site in line with health and safety regulations.

The Household Recycling Centres at Newtownstewart and Donemana that were reopened to the public earlier this week will remain open from 10am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. This brings to six the number of household recycling centres reopened to the public since the lifting of Government restrictions earlier this month.

The opening times at Claudy and Strahans Road in Strabane will return to their original opening times. Claudy will now open from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, while Strahans Road will open from 10 am to 7pm, Monday to Friday and from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.

The remaining sites at Pennyburn and Strathfoyle will continue to operate from 8 am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays. Sunday opening will continue from 1pm to 5pm at Pennyburn only.

Please note that cars with trailers are also being accepted at all of our Household Recycling Centre sites with some restrictions in place for those wishing to avail of the sites with a large van – these will only be accommodated between 10am and 11am at Pennyburn, Strathfoyle and Strahans Road sites ONLY.

The remaining three household recycling centres at Eglinton, Plumbridge and Park will remain closed pending review in terms of the Government guidance.

Urging the public to be adhere to the restrictions and controls that continue to be in place at all its centres, the Council says these measures are to ensure the health and safety of staff and the public using the site and have been taken in consideration of social distancing requirements.

In addition to having in place a one-way system, the Council has advised that in keeping with the DAERA guidelines, the number of cars accessing the sites at any one time will continue to be restricted.

Only one person will be permitted to leave their vehicle to dispose of waste with staff unable to provide assistance during this emergency period.

The public are asked to avoid bringing bulky waste onto the site during the initial reopening phase and encouraged to continue to use the Bulky Waste Collection Service and to also avoid visiting the recycling centres during peak times.

Anyone intending to dispose of black bags must ensure they are double bagged and have been stored for a 72-hour period before disposal, as per PHA guidelines.

In order to protect staff and the wider public, social distancing is required within all the sites and the public will be required to unload their own waste. Members of the public experiencing symptoms or who are self-isolating must not enter the recycling centres.

Council will have staff on hand to offer guidance only however, it is imperative that the public adhere to their instructions at all times and co-operate fully with them as they continue to provide an important public service during this challenging time. Abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Members of the public with bulky waste are advised that they must avail of the Council’s free Bulky Waste Collection Service as they will not be permitted access to the sites with bulky waste at this time.

Bookings for this service can be made online via the Council website at www.derrystrabane.com/bulkywaste or contact by phone at 028 71 374107.