Waste and recycling (Covid)

As per government guidance, personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin. Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.

Dunfermline (Lochead), Glenrothes, Dalgety Bay, Kirkcaldy, Methil St Andrews and Lochgelly, Pittenweem household waste recycling centres are currently open. Strict guidelines to how recycling centres are run are in place to keep local people and staff safe. For more information see: www.fife.gov.uk/recyclingcentres

You will not be able to access a Household waste recycling centre without a booking.

Bulky uplifts have now resumed, please see the Bulky uplift service page for details.

Recycling points are still being serviced as normal, but residents are requested not to make special visits to them, in line with government guidance, but to use them while doing their essential shopping.

Waste and recycling should not be placed outwith bins. Recycling points are only for excess household recycling such as plastic/cans, paper/card and glass jars and bottles.

Collection points for free food waste bags may be closed as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We recommend checking with collection points before visiting. We are unable to make other arrangements to provide householders with food waste bags at present. Compostable food waste bags are available at most supermarkets so can be purchased when carrying out essential shopping.  You can also use newspaper to wrap your food waste or put food into the brown bin loose, especially foods such as bread and vegetable peelings.

Due to changes in staff, waste and recycling assisted collections may be collected by a different crew and at a different time. Please make sure your containers are easily accessible and visible. We may have to change where we collect and return your bins from and to.

Repair and replacement of bins and uplifts of any unwanted waste containers has now returned to full service. Requests for these services can be accessed by visiting www.fife.gov.uk/recycling

Business closures

If you close your business, you must make sure your commercial waste is disposed of.

• Waste – remove all internal and external waste before the closure of your premises.
• Waste bins – empty all waste bins and move bins to a secure area. Lock if possible, to prevent others using them.  You should also tell your waste contractor that you are temporarily closing.

Reopening your business

If your business has been closed due to Covid 19 restrictions, here is some things to consider when reopening:

• Provide extra bins for your staff and customers to throw away face coverings and any other additional waste, such as cleaning waste and packaging.
• Cleaning waste – used cloths and wipes should be put in the general waste bin.
• Used cleaning cloths and wipes do not need to be put in an extra bag or stored for a time before thrown away.
• If you’re managing a suspected or confirmed outbreak of coronavirus follow the guidance on cleaning non-healthcare settings.

Your waste responsibilities

Please ensure you continue to adhere to your legal waste responsibilities.

• All businesses must store, transfer, transport and dispose of their business waste without harming the environment.
• Recycling regulations require that all business must recycle the following materials: paper, cardboard, plastics, metal and glass.
• Food businesses must recycle their food waste.

Despite the current pandemic, the waste regulations remain unchanged.

For more information please visit Duty of Care - Your Waste Responsibilities.

Please find helpful guidance for employers and businesses on working safely during coronavirus.

Click here for more coronavirus information and support for businesses.