UPDATE from Monday 18th May 2026 - The A92 has now reopened

A significant fire occurred at Ladybank Waste Facility on the afternoon of Tuesday 12 May.

Emergency services remain onsite, and the waste transfer and processing facility is closed while the response continues.

There are no reported casualties.

We understand this has been a worrying incident for residents and disruptive for people travelling through the area or trying to use Ladybank Recycling Centre.

Smoke is still coming from the site as the fire is brought under control, residents should continue to keep windows and doors closed if they can see or smell smoke.

Bin collections are currently going ahead as planned and people should continue to present bins and bulky uplift items as normal.

The household waste recycling centre at the site is closed due to the fire and will remain so while firefighting activity continues. However, the Ladybank Recycling Centre area is unaffected and will reopen as soon as the fire is out and safe access can be reinstated.

Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is available.

Frequently asked questions:

What happened?

A fire broke out at Ladybank Waste Facility near Lower Melville Wood on the afternoon of Tuesday 12 May. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was called at approximately 1.35pm. Fire crews have been working on site since then and remain in attendance while the incident is brought fully under control.

Is anyone injured?

There are no reported casualties.

Is the fire still ongoing?

Fire crews remain on site, supported by site staff. The situation is improving but the incident is not fully concluded. Residents should continue to follow safety advice while emergency services remain on site.

Is Ladybank Waste Processing Facility open?

No. The waste transfer and processing facility is closed while emergency services continue their work, and the site is made safe. The facility has sustained significant damage. It is too early to confirm when the waste processing operation will reopen.

Is Ladybank Household Waste Recycling Centre open?

No, not at the moment. The Household Waste Recycling Centre across the road has not been damaged by the fire. It is currently closed because road access has been restricted by smoke and emergency service activity.

Once access is confirmed as safe, the site will reopen. We will keep people updated on the council’s website and social media channels.

Will my bin collection be affected?

Bin collections are currently going ahead as planned with no disruptions. Residents should continue to present bins and bulky uplift items as normal.

If this changes, Fife Council will provide updates through its website and social media channels.

Where can I take recycling or waste while the Ladybank facility is closed?

Please use another recycling centre in Fife: alternative recycling centres

From Friday 15 May, Cupar Recycling Centre will be open 7 days a week while Ladybank’s Recycling Centre is closed. Please note that all vehicles must book before visiting the centre and that the facility does not accept certain materials for recycling.

Book, check what is accepted and view alternative locations: Cupar Recycling Centre

What should nearby residents do about smoke?

If you can see or smell smoke, please keep windows and doors closed as a precaution.

Smoke in the area is reducing, but residents should continue to follow public safety advice while emergency services remain on site.

Anyone with health concerns should contact NHS 24 on 111 or seek medical advice.

Is it safe to go outside?

If you are not affected by smoke, continue as normal. If you can see or smell smoke, keep windows and doors closed where possible and avoid the immediate area. However, you should attend healthcare services as usual and anyone with acute health concerns should contact NHS 24 on 111 or seek medical advice. People with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should carry any necessary inhalers or medications with them at all times and seek medical advice if their symptoms worsen. You may wish to air out your home by opening windows when the smoke has cleared.

Is air quality being monitored?

The smoke plume and wind directions continue to be monitored. The council’s static air quality monitors across Fife are also being monitored and show normal readings.

Has the cause of the fire been confirmed?

No. It is too early to confirm the cause of the fire.

A review will take place once the emergency response has been concluded and it is safe to access the affected areas.

Will there be an investigation?

Yes. A review will take place once the emergency response has concluded and it is safe to access the affected areas.

Who is managing the response?

The emergency response is being led by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Cireco is supporting the site response and working closely with Fife Council, emergency services and environmental partners. Fife Council is managing wider public service impacts, including bin collections and public information.

Will there be further updates?

Yes. Updates will be provided through Fife Council’s websites and social media channels on Facebook and X. We will also share Police Scotland traffic and emergency service updates.

What should I do now?

Please:

• keep windows and doors closed if affected by smoke
• present bins and bulky uplift items as normal
• use another recycling centre while Ladybank remains closed
• Check Fife Council channels for updates.

Stay updated

Follow Fife Council for the latest updates on this incident:

Website: www.fife.gov.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/fifecouncil

X:  www.x.com/fifecouncil