Douglas Councillor Sam Hamer has questioned why kerbside recycling services, which are not classed as a statutory requirement under the 1990 Public Health Act, were stopped during the lockdown.

He said: ’I don’t believe I am the only councillor who considers recycling a core component of waste management’ and questioned why hazard pay or extra PPE for council workers were not explored as options to maintain the service.

Council leader David Christian responded: ’The direction from government around closure of business and exception notices for when the public may leave their home states that local government should only undertake those functions that are statutory or directly in support of combatting the virus.

’The exception notices allow for residents to access recycling facilities but these are clarified as Bring Banks and Civic Amenity Sites.

’Therefore, the Council cannot, by law, undertake the kerbside service while the direction is in place.’

Douglas Council confirmed the kerbside recycling service will resume for Douglas residents today [Tuesday] and Braddan residents this Thursday.

Collections will be as scheduled in the kerbside calendar starting with round two.

To ease the process the council is asking people to place glass bottles in one container, mixed tin cans and plastic in another and any paper and brown cardboard in a third. The council has a limited supply of boxes and bags which can be obtained by calling 696445 or emailing [email protected], or Braddan commissioners on 852808 or [email protected].

If anyone in the household has tested positive for Covid, or is symptomatic or awaiting test results, do not put out recycling boxes for collection.