Kerbside recycling bin collection delays across Northern Ireland blamed on ‘unprecedented illness’

Bin delays affecting four Northern Ireland council areas have been caused by “unprecedented illness” levels, according to Bryson Recycling — the company responsible for kerbside collections.

Around 160,000 households are potentially affected by ongoing recycling collection issues across Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Belfast City Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council areas.

The issue was raised at a Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) meeting this week, where councillors voiced concerns about missed collections and growing frustration among ratepayers.

Castlereagh East DUP Alderman Sharon Skillen said:

“Residents come to you when their bins are not collected — that is what they pay their rates for.

When will it be decided on co-mingled or separated recycling, because a lot of people are asking?”

Castlereagh South Alliance councillor Martin McKeever added:

“Residents’ patience is wearing thin.”

Downshire East UUP Alderman James Baird questioned whether the delays were linked to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council replacing its old blue bins with a new multi-box system.

A council officer clarified:

“I understand that it is an operational problem with Bryson and that it has nothing to do with the new bin system at Antrim and Newtownabbey.

“We are still waiting on the Stormont Assembly to respond to the DAERA consultation on the future of recycling in Northern Ireland, which has delayed our own kerbside collection plans.”

When contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a spokesperson for Bryson Recycling said:

“Bryson Recycling provides recycling collection services to approximately 160,000 households on behalf of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Belfast City Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Delays have occurred on some collection rounds across all the council areas where we operate our collection service.

“Delays are being experienced due to staff shortages resulting from unprecedented levels of sickness and a national shortage of drivers.

“We are taking all necessary steps to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”

The spokesperson added:

“Our teams have been working exceptionally hard to ensure household recycling collections continue, including undertaking evening and weekend shifts to maintain service delivery.

“Bryson aims to complete all collections within 24 hours of the normal collection day. We have also placed a strong emphasis on recruitment to ensure we have the right staffing levels to support the service effectively.”